Copyright: Copyright © 1993-96 Powersim AS
Citation: Copyright © 1993-96 Powersim AS


Powersim Readme Help Contents
Readme Help Contents

Late-breaking information about Powersim 2.5; new features, updates, etc.

  What's New?

  Moving from 2.5c to Constructor 2.5

  Moving from 2.5b to 2.5c.

  Moving from 2.5 to 2.5b.

  Whats New in Powersim 2.5?

  The history of Powersim Versions

  Powersim Support Services

  Technical Support

  Modeling Support

  Simulator Services

  Powersim Support Request

  Printing Support Request Form

  Known Errors

  Potential Problems

  Too Large Dialog Boxes on Portable Computers

  Too Many Array Elements plus Scalars

See also

  Printing a help topic


Multimedia object

This is a true multi purpose object; allowing you to present video, animation, sound, text, pictures, and message boxes based on the state of a simulation. The multimedia object is also an input object, allowing the model to obtain the state of a playing video, the user's response to a message, etc.

See also

  Multimedia Object


Gauge object

The gauge is an input/output object which displays a model variable as a moving bar or needle. The gauge can be formatted in a countless number of ways, including coloring, shape, and axis.

See also

  Gauge Object


Array Graph object

The array graph is an input/output object which displays a vector variable or a series of scalar variables as a line graph or bar, optionally filled with a color. The object is perfect for displaying the same kind of information at run time as can be done using the graph/vector editor at edit time.

See also

  Array Graph Object


Application Programmers Interface (API)

This is a set of components that allows you to access Powersim from other applications, including Visual Basic, C++ and Delphi. By controlling Powersim using the APIs, you can create custom interfaces to models or embed models in other applications.

See also

  Using the Powersim API


Number Formatting

Powersim now allows you to format numbers when output. You can, for example, add currency symbols and other units, and decide the number of decimals. Examples: "USD 123", "34 persons".

See also

  Defining and using number formats


Object coloring and shape

Several new object shapes, including hexagons and arrows, are added to all object types. Object can now be colored using any of the rainbow's millions of colors, optionally adding smooth color transitions -- as in the real rainbow.


Pop-up toolbar
Pop-up toolbars

When Powersim's application window is reduced so much that it doesn't have room for the entire toolbars, an extra [image] button apears in the right side on each of the toolbars (see the figure below).

Click the [image] button to open a popup toolbar that contains all the buttons available.


Whats new?

Powersim 2.5 was released in March 1996. It has been updated three times, and we are currently shipping Powersim Constructor 2.5. Information about new features and updates are given below, under each update.

  Powersim Constructor 2.5

  Powersim 2.5c

  Powersim 2.5b

  Powersim 2.5


What's New in Powersim 2.5?

Powersim 2.5 was released in March 1996. The most important updates are listed below:

  New Features

  Multimedia object

  Gauge object

  Array Graph object

  Application Programmers Interface (API)

  Number Formatting

  Object coloring and shape

  Direct manipulation of objects

  Pop-up toolbars

  New Documentation Package

  Improvements on Existing Features


What's New in Powersim Constructor?
What's New in Powersim Constructor 2.5?

Moving from Powersim 2.5c to Powersim Constructor 2.5

Powersim Constructor 2.5 (version number 2.5d) was released in July 1997. The most important updates are listed below:

Improvements on existing Features

New toolbar

Improved Command Button included

Scrolling with arrow keys in diagram view

Persistent tool on left double click

Updated sample models

Drag-and-drop of variables in Multimedia Object

Documentation updates

Restructured and improved on line help system

Bug Fixes

Changes in the Multimedia object

Fields available in Archive object

Indexing of array elements

Listing variables in co-models

DDE Object fixed and updated


Changes in Multimedia object
Changes in the Multimedia object

When showing pictures in a window in the Multimedia object, the default size of the picture window was equal to the size of the picture. This has been changed. The default size of the window is now equal to the size of the object itself.

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Updated Archive object
Fields available in Archive object

When using the Archive object, a field can be inserted to generate unique filenames during a simulation run. This feature didnt work properly in the previous versions, but have now been fixed again.

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Update in accessing array elements
Indexing of array elements

When indexing array elements, Powersim produced an error when accessing the last array element. This has now been fixed.

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Variables in co-models
Listing variables in co-models

When listing variables in co-models, some variables were greyed out, even though they had not already been selected. This has now been fixed.

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DDE Object fixed and updated

The DDE Object has now been fixed and updated to work under Windows 95 and Windows NT4.0. The service will now start automatically, and the references will work properly. Examples and updated information on the DDE Object can be found in the updated help system.


New toolbar

The toolbar in Powersim Constructor 2.5 has been changed, and now offers colors. In addition, some of the symbols have been exchanged with symbols used in other Windows products. The new toolbar buttons are also updated throughout the help system, so no confusion should occur due to this change.

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Command button included

The Command Button, which was offered as a free gift to customers who upgraded their Powersim software, is now included as a standard feature of Powersim Constructor 2.5.

The Command Button has also been improved in several ways:

•	It has now the look of a 3D button, and acts as a real button when clicked.

•	It can now be activated in Read Only models, without having to start the simulation.

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Scrolling with keys

The conventional navigation keys may now be used to scroll the diagram view of Powersim Constructor 2.5. The following keys will work:

Arrow up	Step up (equals clicking the up arrow on the scrollbar)
Arrow down	Step down (equals the down arrow on the scrollbar)
Arrow left	Step left (equals the left arrow on the scrollbar)
Arrow right	Step right (equals the right arrow on the scrollbar)
Page up	Quick up (equals clicking in the upper part of the scrollbar)
Page down	Quick down (equals clicking in the lower part of the scrollbar)
Home	Quick left (equals clicking in the left part of the scrollbar)
End	Quick right (equals clicking in the right part of the scrollbar)

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Persistent tool on left click
Persistent tool on left doubleclick

In previous versions of Powersim, you could select a persistent tool by right clicking the tools button on the toolbar. In Powersim Constructor 2.5 a double click with the left mouse button will also give a persistent tool. (When the tool is persistant, it means several objects can be drawn, without having to select the tool again.)

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Updated sample models

Some of the sample models have been updated. Some of them now supports the new Command Button, which have been used to make a Control Panel to control the model.

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Multimedia Object: Drag-and-drop
Multimedia Object: Drag-and-drop of variables

When a variable is dropped on the Multimedia Object, the Define Multimedia dialog box appears, with the variable that was dropped as the selected variable.


Help Update for Powersim Constructor 2.5
Restructured and improved on line help system

The helpsystem has been improved and restructured to a certain extent. This is to make it easier for our users to navigate through it. There has also been a few bug fixes in the help system.

The new features include:

•	A set of symbols to simplify navigation.

1.	Most of the information will now appear in the secondary window on the right hand side of the help system. Topics that will be shown in the right window, will be marked with this symbol:

2.	Pages that contain new links, and that acts mainly as a new contents page, will be marked with a book [image]. If the next level is expanded below the link itself, the book will be open, [image]. A new link page may contain some information, but usually not essential information.

•	In the section containing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), a new link has been made. This link points to an updated FAQ.HLP file, containing the most recently asked questions. This file may be updated regularly, and may be downloaded from our WEB site. The FAQ.HLP file reflects the FAQ section on our WEB site.

•	Hitting Escape will close the help system.


What's New in Powersim 2.5c?
What's new?

Moving from Powersim 2.5b to 2.5c

Powersim 2.5c was released in December 1996. The most important updates are listed below:

Improvements on existing Features

  Increased maximum number of array elements

  Faster opening of dialog boxes

  Enhanced PSAPI

  Changes in in-place text editing

Bug Fixes

  Array graphs work with co-models

  Cursor doesn't leave pixels on NT 4.0


What's New in Powersim 2.5b?
What's new in Powersim Constructor 2.5?

Moving from Powersim 2.5 to 2.5b

Powersim 2.5b was released in September 1996. The most important updates are listed below:

Improvements on existing Features

  Time graph object

  Array Graph

  More Memory for Functions

Documentation Updates

  Powersim and Help files

  Powersim Application Programmers InterfaceAPI

Bug Fixes

  Equations View

  Objects In General

  Text Object

  Multimedia Object

  DDE and Archive

  Powersim API

  Network Game

  Powersim on Windows NT 4.0


New Documentation Package

•	New manual: Introduction to Systems Modeling

•	New manual: Quick Tours in Powersim

•	New manual: Powersim User"s Guide

•	New manual: Powersim Reference Guide

•	New manual: Run-Time User"s Guide and Reference Manual

•	New text book for beginners and students: Learning Dynamic Modeling

•	New work book for beginners and students: Powersim Tutorial 1

•	Enhanced and Modernized On-line Help System


Improvements on Existing Features (including Bug Fixes)
Improvements on Existing Features

•	Improved copying of dynamic objects. This process now also copies instance data.


Dashed and dotted lines appear as solid lines

The Windows GDI does not currently support dashed or dotted line styles other than for lines' output in the device resolution (hair lines). Because of this, lines will appear as solid lines if output with a width greater than one pixel (even if a dashed or dotted line style is selected). This limitation has implications for metafiles, printing, and output to the screen when zooming is greater than 100%. (Windows NT should be able to output dashed and dotted lines of any width.)


Powersim and Help Files

You can now open the sample models by clicking the red text in the help system even if the current directory is not pointing towards Powersim.

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Powersim Application Programmers Interface (API)
Application Programmers Interface (API)

After the introduction of Powersim API (PSAPI) in Powersim 2.5, Windows NT 4.0 has been released. It turns out that this new version of NT uses a system DLL called PSAPI.DLL. Since Powersim API 2.5 also used a system DLL with this name, we have renamed our DLL to PSAPI16.DLL in this release of Powersim. Correspondingly, PSAPI.LIB has been renamed to PSAPI16.LIB. No other files are affected.

The information is updated only in the help system. The printed User"s Guide manual are not updated on this information.


Time Graph object

Fixed horizontal gaps that sometimes (very rarely) occured when drawing a Time Graph (during simulation).

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Array Graph

With the Array Graph object you may change or give input to the different elements of the array by dragging the line in the graph up- or downwards. When you do this during a simulation, the time with which Powersim responds to update the graph's corresponding variables is severely shortened.

Is now possible to copy and paste an Array Graph correctly into other documents, for example a Word document.

When you use an Array graph object with shaded fill, this would sometimes cause zero-height bars to be displayed. This Windows bug were discovered and worked around.

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More Memory for Functions

For some functions in a model, Powersim allocates space in memory for functions to store their values. Most functions do not to have memory allocated at all, But there are some functions that do, such as the group of the DELAY functions, SHIFT functions and the ASSIGN function.

The amount of memory that is allocated for functions, is now extended from 64 Kb to 512 Kb.

If your model has close to 6500 variables, the gain from having the extra memory allocated for functions do not have much effect. The memory allocated is dispersed between all functions in a model, which means that; the more functions, the less space is allocated to each function. (We assume here that larger models have relatively more functions than a smaller one.)


Equations View

In earlier versions of Powersim, you could not view a model with more than 1000 variables in the Equations view. Now you can.

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Objects In General

International characters in file name

Improved support for international characters (e.g., é, ä, æ, ø, å) in Multimedia object, Archive object, and Network object.

Tick labels on axis

Tick labels in versions prior to 2.5b would in rare occations be displayed with too few decimals, for example like this: 79, 79, 80, 80, 81 instead of 79.0, 79.5, 80.0, 80.5, 81.0.

Use of shaded areas in all external objects

Shaded areas are now clipped correctly also when windows overlap.

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Text Object

ESC-ing out of direct editing of texts no longer leaves the mouse cursor in a state where it is limited to the diagram window. (In earlier versions you had to click in the diagram once before you could move the mouse cursor to any location in the display).

Due to differences between Windows NT and Windows 95 / Windows 3.1x, the direct editing of texts in Powersim 2.5a did not function under Windows NT. You can now press ENTER to end editing. Press CTRL+ENTER to start a new paragraph. Press ESC (as before) to cancel any changes.

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Multimedia Object

If the user did not specify all parameters for the Multimedia Object and then pushed the OK-button, all values had disappeared when reopening the dialog. Now a message box will alarm you if you forget to fill in the values or to insert the action item into the object"s Presentation list.

If a model ran using the sound option in the Multimedia Object, and the machine did not have a sound card, the simulation of the model would halt. Now, if there is no sound card, the model will run silently without any problems.

The "Loop when condition is true" feature in the Multimedia Object now works. If a message box was supposed to show when some condition was true, there was a problem if the condition was true during, say half the simulation time. The message box would only appear once, even though it should have shown during the rest of the simulation. The message box only rested on the screen for as long as it was defined to show, e.g. 5 seconds.

Message boxes are now safe also when the user gives mouse input to another object (drags a slide bar or presses a button). In earlier versions this could result in a GPF error.

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DDE
DDE and Archive

DDE and Archive objects

Input (to Powersim) of data is now always done before any output. This means that you can load data at the beginning of a simulation, and store data to the same item or file using another DDE or Archive object. This can be used to keep values between simulations (values stored in one run can be used to initialize the next run).

DDE object

Powersim is able to locate a DDE server from the registration database if the server is not located in the directories defined by the PATH variable. In version 2.5b the path to the server can also contain space characters, for example like this: "C:\Program Files\Excel\Excel.exe". (Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0 is not able to locate a DDE server if its executable is not stored in any of the directories listed in the PATH).

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Powersim API

Visual Basic Sample

The 32-bit Visual Basic Sample now works (a FRX file was missing in Powersim 2.5)

The Powersim Connection OCX"s

The 16-bit Powersim connection OCX now works for all method calls. In Powersim 2.5, when calling certain methods, this caused the wrong methods to be invoked.

The ParNames and ParUnits properties now return terminated strings properly.

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Network game
Network game Object

An error could occur when trying to edit the game file for a multi-player game. This error is now corrected.

In version 2.5a an error was introduced, causing the operaton of the "Revert to game" button to fail randomly.

The ESC key no longer closes the "Select game to be played" dialog box, leaving the game in a non runnable state.

Also the default buttons in the Network game now respond to, e.g. hitting the return key.

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Powersim on Windows NT 4.0

On beta releases of Windows NT 4.0, Powersim terminated after approximately 6 minutes. This no longer happens.


Array elements
Increased number of array elements.

In earlier versions of Powersim, only 6500 array elements were allowed. Now, if you run Windows 95 or Windows NT, your model can contain up to 30000 array elements. The maximum number of variables allowed is still 6500, and the maximum number of elements per array variable is still 4000. One more constraint applies to the maximum number of array elements, namely that the maximum number of level elements cannot exceed 8000.

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Faster opening of dialog boxes

In earlier versions, dialog boxes containing list boxes or combo boxes with all Powersim variables, could take quite a time to open when the models grew large. Now, these dialog boxes open much faster.

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Enhanced PSAPI
Enhanced Powersim Application Programmer's Interface (PSAPI)

PSAPI has been enhanced with a number of methods for obtaining information about a Powersim model, like the number of variables, the names of all variables and array elements. This new functionality is not documented in the various help files of PSAPI, so you have to refer to PSAPI.H for detailed information.

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Changes in in-place text editing
Changes in in-place editing of external objects' text properties

In order to adjust to Windows NT 4.0, a change had to be made to the in-place editing of text properties for external objects. In earlier versions, you had to click outside the object to stop the edit operation. Now you must hit Return to do the same. To force a new line while editing the text, you can hit Ctrl + Return.


Array graphs work with co-models
Array Graph now works with co-models

In earlier versions of Powersim, youi could experience a problem with array graphs when used with co-models. This now works properly.

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Cursor does not leave pixels
The cursor does not leave behind pixels on the screen in NT 4.0

When using the pointer tool (cursor) to drag a selection net in Windows NT 4.0, a few pixels were left behind on the screen. This small, but annoying problem has now been fixed.


History of the Powersim Versions
The history of Powersim Versions

July 1997 - Powersim Constructor 2.5 released (version number 2.5d).

•	New toolbar.

•	Introduced the Command button object.

•	Updated sample models.

•	Updated help system.

December 1996 - Version 2.5c released.

September 1996- Version 2.5b released.

March 1996 - Version 2.5 released

•	Improved documentation and help system.

•	More demo models and examples

•	Introduced the Multimedia object

•	Introduced the Gauge object

•	Introduced the Array Graph object

•	Introduced the Application Programmers Interface (API) for C++, Visual Basic and Delphi

•	Introduced number formatting

•	Introduced coloring and shape for objects

•	Introduced direct manipulation of texts inside objects

•	Introduced the Pop-up toolbars

June 1995 - Version 2.02 released

February 1995 - Version 2.01 released

•	Introduced the variable time delay functions

•	Introduced the Complex Functions

•	Introduced the Network Game object

July 1994 - Version 2.0 released

•	Improved documentation and help system.

•	Introduced the DDE and Archive objects.

•	Introduced the OLE support

Desember 1993 - Version 1.1 released

June 1993 - Version 1.0 - first release


Printing a help topic

To print a help topic from the main window

•	Click the Print button in the toolbar, or

•	Choose File Print Topic

To print a help topic from a secondary window (Windows 95 only)

1	Click the right mouse button in the secondary window that you want to print

2	Select Print Topic in the right-button menu that appears (see below)


Powersim Support Services

If you have a question about Powersim, please consult the documentation first. Particularly we recommend the FAQ section in the User's Guide, in on-line Help or at our web pages: http:\\www.powersim.no. If you cannot find the answer, and your support needs are not met by your local dealer, Powersim might be able to help you. Please study the conditions for technical and modeling support, as described below. In particular, note that you must provide your license number at all support contacts.

See also

  Technical Support

  Modeling Support

  Simulator Services

  Powersim Support Request

  Printing Support Request Form


Technical Support

Technical support covers technical questions regarding the capabilities and the operation of Powersim, and error reports.

We offer free technical support to licensed Powersim users under the following conditions:

•	You must send questions by fax, e-mail, or regular mail. Experiences show that starting with a written problem description is the fastest way to solve your problems.

•	We do not offer technical support over the phone, unless a special support service agreement is made. The only exceptions from this are really urgent problems, such as installation problems, software errors that hold up your work, etc.

•	The total amount of free technical support granted to each license is limited to 3 hours, provided that the problem is not caused by software malfunction in Powersim. Assistance exceeding 3 hours can still be offered as paid services. Please contact us for information about consultant fees or a special license including free support.

•	Describe the problem as indicated in the Powersim Support Request sheet. Please provide all data asked for if possible.


Modeling Support

Modeling support covers methodological problems, such as specific modeling issues, how to represent special phenomena using the Powersim language, etc. Generally, we recommend that you address questions regarding modeling problems to your local dealer. We offer modeling support to licensed Powersim users under the following conditions:

•	You must send all support questions by fax, e-mail, or regular mail. We do not offer modeling support over the phone, unless a special support service agreement is made.

•	The total amount of free modeling support granted to each license is limited to 1 hour. Assistance exceeding 1 hour is offered as paid services. Please contact us for information about consultant fees.

•	Describe the problem as indicated in the Powersim Support Request sheet. Please provide all data asked for if possible.


Print Support Request Form
Printing Support Request Form

1	Connect your computer to a printer.

2	Jump to the Powersim Support Request topic.

3	Select Print Topic from the Help File menu or click the Print button in the Help toolbar.


Powersim Support Request

Please complete all the information below and fax or e-mail the form to Powersim

• Europe & Eastern Hemisphere	Fax +47 56 34 24 01	E-mail help@powersim.no
• USA & Western Hemisphere	Fax +1 703 481 1270	E-mail powersim@powersim.com
Name:
Fax:
E-mail:
Phone:
License number:
Purchased from:
Software and Hardware Info	Software release number:	(See Help About)
Type of Software (Professional, Run-Time, Standard, Demo):
Computer Processor:		Windows version:	('3.1x, 'NT, '95)
RAM available:	MB	Hard Disk Space available:	MB
Free Hard Disk when problem occured:	MB
General Problem Experienced

Problem Category (error, suggested addition, suggested change, other)

Exact Error Message Received
Is the problem reproducible?
Document that reproduces the problem:
Document that illustrates the problem:

Have document file, print-out of model diagram and/or equations been sent

to the above address?


Powersim Simulator Services

We can provide a variety of special-purpose services with our software. We can create sophisticated business simulators for you, or team with you to create such simulators. We can interface simulation models to new or existing databases, or to external applications. We can create new applications that include a simulation model as a component. We want to make you successful in your simulation endeavors.

For more information, please call:

•	Europe, Japan, Africa, Australia: Knut Vavik, +47 56 34 24 00

•	North America, South America, Asia (except Japan): David Bridgeland, +1 703 707 6412


Too Large Dialog Boxes on Portable Computers

Some portable computers allow for adjustment of the standard font size. If some dialog boxes of Powersim are too large to fit within the screen of your portable computer, try to reduce the standard font size setting. Since the dialog boxes of Powersim adjust to the chosen font size, normal font size is usually the best choice.

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Too Many Array Elements plus Scalars

In version earlier than 2.0 the maximum number of array elements plus scalars (as can be seen in the Statistics dialog box) was 8000. This number was changed to 6500 in version 2.0, due to limitations in Windows concerning the maximum number of elements in a list box. Models with more than 6500 array elements or scalars will still load, but you will not be allowed to add more variables. In practice, this means you have to delete some variables (or shrink the array ranges) to continue working with such large models.