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┌╦═══╦┐ ┌╦═══╦┐ ┌╦ ╦┐ ┌╔═══╦┐ ┌╦═══╦┐
│╠═══╩┘ │║ ║│ │║╔╩╗║│ ├╬═══ │╠══╦╩┘
└╩ └╩═══╩┘ └╩╝ ╚╩┘ └╩═══╩┘ └╩ ╚═┘
Copyright 1991-1992 Michael D. O'Connor
All Rights Reserved
┌─────────┐
┌─────┴───┐ │ (R)
──│ │o │──────────────────
│ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of
│ │ │─┘ Shareware
└───│ o │ Professionals
──────│ ║ │────────────────────
└────╨────┘ MEMBER
Required Equipment
────────────────────
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or MS-DOS compatible
MS-DOS version 2.1 or above (including DOS 5.0)
Color monitor (VGA, EGA) recommended (but not required)
At least 300K free memory
Copyright 1991-1992 Michael D. O'Connor
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.................................................1
Description.................................................1
The Formula.................................................2
Exactly What can Power do for Engineers in the Workplace?...3
The Role of the Database File...............................5
The Role of the Datafile....................................5
Power Program Features......................................5
Overview of Power...........................................6
Main Menu Overview..........................................6
Database Menu Overview......................................7
User Configuration Menu Overview............................7
GETTING STARTED..............................................8
Starting up Power...........................................8
Database Initialization.....................................9
Datafile Initialization.....................................9
Filename Syntax............................................10
MAIN MENU OPERATION.........................................12
DATABASE MENU OPERATION.....................................12
CONFIGURATION MENU OPERATION................................13
PROGRAM TERMINATION.........................................15
MAIN MENU COMMAND REFERENCE.................................16
GENERAL SHAREWARE INFORMATION...............................27
Definition of Shareware....................................27
Shareware and the Association of Shareware Professionals...29
PERSONAL AND SITE LICENSING.................................30
Disclaimer / Agreement.....................................30
How to contact the Author..................................32
APPLICATION NOTES...........................................33
Index.........................................................36
i
ii
INTRODUCTION
──────────────
Description
─────────────
The Power program is designed for (but not limited to) a group of
electronics engineers whose tasks involve designing circuits
utilizing IC chips. A maximum of three files are opened and
read: up to two input Datafiles, which hold the electrical
parameters of a specific set of IC chips used in a specific cir-
cuit design, and the Database, which holds electrical parameters
of all IC chips entered into all Datafiles. The Database
provides data on IC electrical parameters whenever data-entry is
conducted to key in some IC chips in a specific circuit into a
single Datafile. This process saves the user considerable effort
in providing details of each IC's electrical parameters; the data
is simply extracted from the Database and written to the
Datafile. Then, when finished, the Datafile contents are read
into the formula and the total electrical current is calculated
as the required power to run all the chips in that Datafile.
Another major design implemented into Power is the ability to
merge Database and Datafile contents with other Database and
Datafile files, respectively, allowing engineers to merge other
people's data with their own Database or Datafiles. This
eliminates redundant data-entry into Databases, while allowing
the user to tap the efforts of another's data-entry. A group of
engineers will benefit greatly from concerted efforts of data-
entry. The process of file-sharing is called merging.
Hence Power's primary directive is two-fold:
1) calculate the required current for a
set of chips in a circuit design. Data
on the set of chips' electrical
parameters are read from one or two in-
out files and fed into a formula, com-
puted, and the results shown on-screen.
This function is executed by Main Menu
item 6.
2) provide a means of information sharing
between engineers to eliminate redun-
dant data entries, maintaining data in-
tegrity of the Database. This is ex-
ecuted by Main Menu item 5; the means
of information sharing is called merg-
ing.
These two major directives will be explained in detail in this
document.
1
■ Power User's Manual ■
The Formula
─────────────
The program uses the following averaging formula for obtaining
the required current for running the chips:
___________________________
/
Itotal = Σ(N * Ityp) + / Σ(N² * (Imax - Ityp)²)
/
\/
where: Itotal = calculated total current
N = number of chips of the same part number
Ityp = typical current (Icc)
Imax = maximum current (Icc)
The Σ(N ─ Ityp) equates to the total typical current for all the
chips' parameters given. The rest of the formula is processed by
doing a squared summation of chip-by-chip electrical current
parameters with their squared quantities. Then the result is
square rooted and added to the total typical current.
2
Introduction
Exactly What can Power do for Engineers in the Workplace?
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Each user will have his/her own Database. The Merge function
makes it possible and profitable to share data among engineers,
so that one user gains all the input that the rest of the group
had spent the time entering data for their projects. No one will
ever have to enter the same data on the same chip twice.
The data-sharing scheme can be accomplished on several computers
or on just one computer. On one computer, the data-sharing can
be by sharing the same Database or by merging individual
Databases from different individuals with different sub-
directories allotted to them. This is possible because the Power
program's scope in searching for the Database to read it is
limited to the current default directory, even if the Power
program is executed from another directory. So there is no limit
to how the Database sharing is to be established among engineers.
This flexibility in data-sharing offers a personal Database for
the user while also providing a means of easily merging new data
to it from other engineers. This means savings in time with
respect to data entry. The more the users entering data, the
more the Database grows, and everyone benefits from it because
they each can merge other people's data from their Database into
his/her own. Of course, if there is to be only one Database for
a group of engineers, everyone would still get the same benefit
of a growing Database from concerted data entry, but the Database
cannot be shared by two people at the same time on the same com-
puter.
3
■ Power User's Manual ■
The program reads a maximum of 2 Datafiles besides the Database.
The Datafiles are binary files containing the chips' parameters.
The following is a list of parameters entered into a Datafile
(not all are applicable for the Database):
Datafile parameter Data entry is... Parameter Constant?
────────────────── ──────────────── ───────────────────
Line Item Number automatic no
Chip Part Number required prefix-constant
Manufacturer optional constant
* Assigned Vcc automatic no
Max Vcc optional constant
Typ Icc required no
Max Icc required no
Number of Pins optional no
* Quantity required no
The Database has the same parameters the Datafile has except for
the parameters marked with an asterisk (*) in the above list.
In the Data Entry column, the following explanations apply for
these words:
automatic : no data entry needed
required : data entry is required for the formula
optional : data entry is not required for the formula
In the Parameter Constant column, a parameter constant is a vari-
able constant (much like a number constant in a calculator). It
means that the parameter can be assigned a constant. These con-
stants are used in entering new data to a Datafile. In the case
of the chip part number, a prefix constant can be assigned to the
parameter so that a common prefix of a part number is automati-
cally concatenated to your suffix input during data entry. For
example, you may want to enter a group of chips having the same
prefix, such as SN74LS, made by the same manufacturer (Texas
Instruments). Assigning the 'SN74LS' as a prefix constant and
the 'Texas Instr' as a manufacturer constant makes data entry all
the easier. These chips usually have the same Max Vcc value, so
it, too, can be a constant.
4
Introduction
The Role of the Database File
───────────────────────────────
The ultimate ease of data entry (short of a Merge operation) can
be reached by entering a mere suffix of a part number and the
quantity. (That's all!) The purpose of the Database is to
provide chip parameter data for entry into a Datafile (described
below). If the Database does not contain a record of the part
number, the user is prompted for data and the data is recorded
into the Database. The Database is a binary file created by the
program.
The Role of the Datafile
──────────────────────────
The Datafile is a binary file containing chips with their
parameters to be used in a circuit design, all to be applied with
the same voltage source. Its parameters are fed into the formula
to come up with the required current to run those chips.
Power Program Features
────────────────────────
o Designed for a group of engineers in the area of
circuit designs utilizing chips
o Another user's Database can be merged into user's
own, boosting productivity
o Each user can have his own Database
o User-friendly text-graphics window interface
o Context-sensitive help
o Two input files can be merged into one file
o Elaborate data entry interface cuts down on
repetitious typing
o Elaborate View/Edit function allows point-and-shoot
editing as well as viewing, all in the same window
o Edit function for Database is password-protected,
password can be changed and/or toggled on or off.
o User-configurable window-exploding sound, error bell
sound, and others
5
■ Power User's Manual ■
Overview of Power
───────────────────
The Power program has two menus: the Main Menu and the Database
Menu. The Main Menu contains functions used primarily for data
manipulations in the input files (the Datafiles opened and loaded
into memory). As part of the menu it also has a windowed box
showing the names of opened input files for processing, and
another box for showing the amount of free memory and the amount
of largest free memory block.
The Database Menu deals solely with the Database itself.
A third menu is the User Configuration Menu for configuring the
program to user-defined defaults.
Main Menu Overview
────────────────────
The Main Menu contains these functions:
[0] Exit (or press <Enter>)....... Terminate program
[1] Enter New Data to Datafile.... Data-Entry session
[2] View/Edit Data in Datafile.... Data Viewer/Editor
[3] Save Datafile as Text File.... Write to disk in ASCII
[4] Resequence Line Item Nmbrs.... Re-number Item Numbers
[5] Merge Two Datafiles........... Combine 2 files
[6] Process Datafile(s)........... Show calculation
[7] Re-Initialize Program......... Re-start w/ new files
[8] User Configuration............ User preferences
[9] Database Menu................. Menu for Database only
[10] Help.......................... Also available via F1
[11] About......................... Information about Power
[12] Register...................... Mail this to register
6
Introduction
Database Menu Overview
────────────────────────
The Database Menu contains these functions:
[0] Return to Main Menu.......... Exit Database Menu
[1] View/Edit Database........... Database Viewer/Editor
[2] Merge Two Databases.......... Combine 2 files
[3] Resequence Line Items........ Re-number Item Numbers
User Configuration Menu Overview
──────────────────────────────────
The User Configuration Menu contains these functions:
[1] : Toggle Window Sound ...... off/on
[2] : Toggle Error Sound ...... off/on
[3] : Toggle Edit Password ...... off/on
[4] : Toggle Color Mode ...... color/text
[5] : Toggle Database Xfer ...... confirm/auto
(other configuration menu items may be pending)
Note: On a black/white display (monochrome), "color/text" is
displayed as "bright/normal" instead.
7
■ Power User's Manual ■
GETTING STARTED
─────────────────
Starting up Power
───────────────────
The Power program has two command-line parameters:
/m - Force monochrome color
/c - Turn snow-checking on, for CGA monitors
If you have a lap-top with either a plasma or LCD screen, you may
want to use the /m option; some colors may not be displayable.
If you have a color monitor with a CGA adaptor installed in your
CPU unit and you see "snow" on the screen, you should use the /c
option. This will eliminate the snow. There are some newer CGA
adaptors that do not require snow-checking. Turning this option
on will slow down the screen writing a bit. Since VGA adaptors
are popular these days, chances are that you won't have to use
this option.
So if you do not need these options, just type "pwr" and the fun
begins.
If you have a monitor that does not display color (monochrome)
or if you select the MONO video mode (from the DOS command Mode)
on a color monitor, or if you specify the /m option, the program
will be displayed in black and white.
Before you start the program, first make sure that your default
directory is set to the directory where the Database is. The
directory where the Database file is located must be made the
default directory.
(To set your default directory to the direc-
tory where the Database is located, simply
change over to that directory with the DOS
command CD (Change Directory). See your DOS
User Guide/Reference Manual.)
It is suggested that the user keep all related files in the same
directory to simplify directory file management. This is however
not necessary, as the Power program will accept filenames with
full directory paths, and will also search the directories listed
in the PATH environment variable for the input Datafiles. You
can include the directory where Power is located in the PATH.
8
Getting Started
Database Initialization
─────────────────────────
The first task the program executes upon start-up is to look for
the Database in the current directory. If it exists, it begins
immediately to read in the file contents. If it exists but is
empty, a message to that effect is issued. If it does not exist,
another message is issued, and a new Database file is automati-
cally created and written to the disk and then closed. (It
remains closed until data is entered into a Datafile during a
data-entry session; the Database and the Datafile files are both
reopened, written to, and closed each time the data-entry session
is concluded. If there is no new data, the files remain closed.
If the data entered into the Datafile is not new data for the
Database, only the Datafile is rewritten.)
┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ The Power program will recognize only │
│ the name CHIP.BSE as the Database file. │
└───────────────────────────────────────────┘
At this juncture it is worth the mention to state that the direc-
tories can each be allotted to one engineer with his Database
file in it. The Power program treats this file as mutually ex-
clusive of the other Database files in the other directories,
since Power searches only the default directory and no further.
Hence there can be several Databases on the same computer, but
the Power program relates only to the Database file it finds in
the default directory; and thus several engineers can work from
their own Database files in their own directory individually al-
lotted to them. Data sharing of Databases is accomplished by the
Merge function as an option, so that all data typed by everyone
is available to each in his/her own Database, eliminating the
need to type in the same data on the same part number twice. Or,
all the engineers can simply share the same Database in the same
directory, each engineer working on his/her own Datafiles. There
is no limit on how the data-sharing scenario is to be established
among engineers.
Datafile Initialization
─────────────────────────
After the status of the Database is established, the user is
prompted for up to two filenames for the input Datafiles.
To abort the program when the prompt for filename #1 is given,
press the <ESC> key. The abort will occur only at the filename
#1 prompt. Pressing the <Enter> key alone invokes an error mes-
sage.
If only one filename is to be entered, the next prompt for
filename #2 can be answered by pressing <Enter>. The Database
file cannot be entered as a Datafile; an error message will be
issued if this occurs. If an input Datafile exists, the program
9
■ Power User's Manual ■
checks for the file's signature injected by the program to make
sure that it is indeed an input Datafile and not the Database or
any other file. If the filename is non-existent (new), the user
is prompted on whether to continue or abort the creation of the
file. If confirmed, the user is prompted for the Assigned Vcc
voltage value, the voltage which the user intends to apply to all
the chips which will be written into the file. Then the new file
is created on the disk and closed.
The maximum length of the filename string, including its path,
that any filename prompt will accept is 50 characters, not in-
cluding the <Enter> key. The cursor will not traverse past the
50th character position. You can edit your filename specifica-
tion at the prompt by using left/right arrow keys and the
delete/backspace keys. This is applicable whenever any filename
prompt is issued by the program.
However, whenever the filename is to be displayed (the Filename
Box in the Main Menu is one example), only up to 31 characters
will be displayed. This is due to space limitations in the
Filename Box and other display locations to display the
filenames. If a filename with a long path exceeds the 31-
character limit, only the filename without the path will be dis-
played on-screen. In the Filename Box, the word "(truncated)" in
white color will follow the displayed filename, and the backslash
character (\) will precede the filename itself. Wherever the
filename is to be displayed in other parts of the program, if the
31-character limit is exceeded, only the filename without the
path will be displayed.
Filename Syntax
─────────────────
When specifying a filename in a filename prompt, you can include
a path with the filename, and you can include the drive letters
(including the A: and B: drives). If you supply a filename with
no path, the program searches the default directory; and if not
found there, it searches the directories listed in the PATH
statement. If found at all, the full path to the filename is
concatenated to the filename string and it is displayed in the
Main Menu, if the 31-character limit is not exceeded. If ex-
ceeded, only the filename itself is displayed with the backslash
character preceding it.
(In a Datafile or Database Merge function, the same file-
searching routine is used to find specified files.)
The list of allowable characters for filenames is the same as
that of DOS. They are:
! # $ % & ' ( ) - . 0..9 : @ A..Z \ ^ _ ` a..z { } ~
10
Getting Started
NOTE: The list includes 2 chars NOT valid in DOS for
filenames: the backslash (\) and the colon (:).
These are included in the Power program's
syntax-checking routine to permit full filename
paths in the file specifications. The period
(.) is also an invalid character as part of the
filename, except when used to separate the
filename from the extension.
When specifying the filename for input, the default extension is
.DAT (or .BSE in the case of the Merge function for the Database
file). If you want to specify a filename without any extension,
specify the filename with the period after it. Otherwise, if
there is no period, the default extension .DAT (or .BSE) will be
concatenated to your filename specification.
The F1 function key provides a pop-up help screen for the input
file initialization.
11
■ Power User's Manual ■
MAIN MENU OPERATION
─────────────────────
After the filenames are read into memory and closed, the Main
Menu pops up on the screen. The ACTION prompt is issued for the
menu selection. To enter the selection, type a number cor-
responding to the desired function and press <Enter>.
The Main Menu contains a boxed window (called the Filename Box)
containing the filename(s) that were opened for input. Whenever
there are two input Datafiles, the following syntax for the AC-
TION prompt applies for the first five (5) menu selections, but
not for the remaining selections:
[ACTION#] [FILE#]
The filenames in the Filename Box are referenced by numbers 1 and
2. These are the file numbers.
If there is only one input Datafile to take action with, the
program is smart enough to detect this; so it is not necessary to
supply the file# parameter.
Pressing F1 pops up the help screen.
DATABASE MENU OPERATION
─────────────────────────
All the menu functions in the Database Menu are functionally the
same as their counterparts in the Main Menu, with the exception
that they deal solely with the Database file.
There is a difference to the Merge function, however. Since the
Database does not have a quantity field (quantity of chips of
same part number), neither does the Merge function have a
quantity-adding feature nor a Semi-Automatic Mode. The Merge
process for the Database Merge is always fully automatic.
The Database View/Edit function has a password-protected access
to the Editor, toggled on or off in the Configuration Menu.
Pressing F1 in the Database Menu pops up the help screen.
12
Menu Operations
CONFIGURATION MENU OPERATION
──────────────────────────────
Using the Color Mode Setting
──────────────────────────────
There are four possible settings, two for color displays and two
for monochrome displays. When displayed in color, the Color/Text
settings are applicable. When displayed in black and white (or
monochrome), the Bright/Normal settings are applicable. Each of
these two pairs of settings are mutually exclusive and are de-
pendant on the presence or absence of color on the monitor.
However, one setting in one pair affects the setting of the other
pair, so that changing from "Color" to "Text" when color is
present will also change from "Bright" to "Normal" when color is
absent. This is not consequential due to the pairs' mutual ex-
clusiveness according to the presence of color. In other words,
"Color/Text" will affect the display only when color is present,
and "Bright/Normal" will affect the display only when color is
absent (monochrome).
As far as the Bright/Normal pair is concerned, there are three
ways that you can turn a color monitor into a monochrome monitor:
1) Use the DOS Mode command ("mode mono") to set the monitor's
video mode to monochrome, 2) Use the /m option to force
monochrome color when you start up Power, or 3) use a monochrome
monitor instead of a color one. In those circumstances the
Bright/Normal will be in affect.
Each of the four settings are explained:
Color - sets the background color to the same color as the back-
ground color of the window frame in all windows (except the Logo
window where the word POWER is displayed in large letters).
Text - sets the background color in all windows to black. The
window frame still retains its background color. Text will still
be displayed in color.
Bright - sets all text except prominently displayed strings to
bright (highlight).
Normal - sets all text except prominently displayed strings to
Normal brightness (same brightness as lightgray). Important
strings, such as the program name and copyright notice, are still
displayed in high brightness.
If you don't have a color monitor, the Color/Text pair will not
be seen and will not have an affect on the display.
If you have a color monitor and you want to see what
Bright/Normal settings look like, use the /m option when starting
up Power.
13
■ Power User's Manual ■
Setting Up and Changing the Database Edit Password
────────────────────────────────────────────────────
In the Configuration Menu (Main Menu item 8), the password used
to toggle the Database Edit Password off or on is the same
password used to gain access to the Database Editor function. So
whoever knows the Database Edit Password also knows the password
to change it. The purpose of the password scheme is to provide a
measure of security against unauthorized changes in the Database.
In no case is this security measure an absolute one, but is a
deterrent against unauthorized access.
The Power program comes with the password set to "Power" (case-
sensitive).
The functions to change the password and to toggle the password
on or off are both in the Configuration Menu, in the menu item 3.
When this function in menu item 3 is invoked, a prompt is issued
on whether the password is to be changed or not. At this point,
any key is a hot key; pressing the <Enter> key is not necessary
to terminate the typed answer. The default answer is No when
pressing the <Enter> key (or any other key besides "Y"). Press-
ing "Y" answers "yes" to change the password.
If the password is to be changed, another prompt is issued for
the old password. This keeps unauthorized persons from changing
the password. If successful, another prompt is issued for the
new password, and a password verification prompt follows.
If it is not to be changed, it is assumed that the Database Edit
Password is to be toggled. A prompt is issued for the current
password. If successful, the password is toggled.
If at any time you decide not to enter a password in a password
prompt, to abort the process, press <Enter> (without entering
anything) to return to the Configuration Menu. Do not press
<Enter> without entering anything in the New Password prompt.
The maximum password length is 10 characters.
Pressing F1 in the Configuration Menu pops up the help screen.
14
Menu Operations
PROGRAM TERMINATION
─────────────────────
File Status on Program Termination
────────────────────────────────────
Upon program termination status messages are issued as to the
disposition of all the files, including the Database file:
"changed" status:
───────────────────
The file contents have been updated either by annexing, editing,
deletion, or a combination of these.
"deleted: no data given" status:
──────────────────────────────────
If a newly created file remains untouched when the program exits,
the file will be deleted. If a Datafile was empty when read in
by the program, it too will be deleted if untouched. However, if
a Datafile full of data was read in and its data contents were
entirely deleted in the Editor, the Datafile will not be deleted;
it will be written back to disk as an empty file. (The file it-
self is not actually empty; it is empty of its data contents. It
still contains its signature identifying the file as a Datafile.)
If it is again loaded into the program, it will be deleted upon
program termination if untouched -- but if data was added and
then deleted again, the file will not be deleted when the program
exits.
This feature assists the user in keeping the number of empty
Datafiles to a minimum.
"unchanged" status:
─────────────────────
The Datafile remains unchanged; the contents have not been writ-
ten to the disk.
Status of the Database file:
──────────────────────────────
The Database file will never be deleted even if empty. Either an
"updated and closed" or "unchanged" message applies.
15
■ Power User's Manual ■
MAIN MENU COMMAND REFERENCE
─────────────────────────────
All commands are entered by typing the number corresponding to
the function you want executed and pressing <Enter>. If more
than one Datafile is opened and read into memory for read/write
by the program (meaning a maximum of 2 input files), the follow-
ing command syntax
[ACTION#] [FILE#]
applies to the first five (5) Main Menu functions, numbered 1
through 5.
The rest of the functions do not need the FILE# parameter. This
syntax tells the program what function (ACTION#) to execute on
which of the two opened files.
If only one Datafile is loaded into memory, the Power program is
smart enough to know that all Main Menu commands are for that
opened file, since there is only one file. So the FILE#
parameter is not needed in this case.
The specific command descriptions for each function follows.
─── [0] Exit ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Terminates the program. All files are rewritten with new infor-
mation (if updated) and closed. If any input Datafile is newly
created and program is terminated with the file untouched, the
created file will be deleted. If additions of data were made to
it and then entirely deleted, the file will not be deleted upon
program termination. If an old file's contents are deleted, the
file will not be deleted, but if Power is restarted with this
file and is terminated again without touching it, it will be
deleted. This saves the user the trouble of manually deleting
empty files, as it keeps the number of empty files down to a min-
imum.
An easier way to exit the program is to simply press the <Enter>
key at the Main Menu. This is true in every menu where '0' is
shown as the command for exiting a menu.
16
Main Menu Command Reference
─── [1] Enter New Data to Datafile ────────────────────────────
The Data Entry function. The author has taken some pains to make
this function as easy and attractive as possible.
Press the F1 function key for a detailed description of the com-
mands available at the command menu bar.
The function has several features incorporated into it:
o Constant assignment in 3 entry fields.
User-defined constant assignment in these fields: part
number prefix, Manufacturer, and Max Vcc. Some or all
may be used. Press the F3 function key to assign some
constants. Pressing the F4 function key clears all the
contants. F5 displays the current constants assign-
ments, if any.
o Automatic part number searches in the Database.
When a part number is entered, a search is made in the
Database to look for a match. If found, the data is
automatically transferred to the input Datafile (if the
Database Xfer toggle in the Configuration Menu is set to
"Auto". If set to "Confirm", the user is shown the data
relevant to the part number and is prompted for a con-
firmation before transferring the data to the input
Datafile.) If the matching chip is not found, the user
is prompted for the chip's data parameters from the data
book and the Database is written to (in memory) with
this information, as well as the input Datafile.
o Selective number entry by the use of the Up/Down arrow keys
in 1 field.
This feature is only for the chip's Number-of-Pins
field. Using the Up/Down keys changes the entry for the
number of pins on the chip. (The number can be over-
written by simply typing over it.) The standard numbers
are 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, and 40.
When entering data in a data-entry session, pressing the <Enter>
key in the Quantity field will be interpreted by Power as a quan-
tity of one (1). This is the default quantity when the <Enter>
key is pressed with no data entered.
The commands available at the command menu bar are:
F1 ...... Help (not on the command menu bar)
F2 ...... Exit the data-entry session
F3 ...... Assign constants in up to 3 fields
F4 ...... Clear all constants (if any assigned)
F5 ...... Show assigned constants
CTRL-Y .. Clear the data-entry field (highlighted)
17
■ Power User's Manual ■
Ins ..... Insert a space at cursor position
Del ..... Delete a character at cursor position
Home .... Go to beginning of string
End ..... Go to end of string
Cursor Keys - Cursor movements
(The up/dn arrow keys are active only when
entering the number of pins of the chip.)
Every time the data-entry session is exited, any new data to the
Datafile and Database is automatically saved to disk. If there
is no new data unique to the Database, the Database file on the
disk remains closed.
The Main Menu "Enter New Data to DataFile" command syntax is:
1 [FILE#]
(The FILE# is in the filename box in the Main Menu)
If there is only one file to take action with in the Main Menu,
there is no need to specify the file number in the command syn-
tax. The Power program is smart enough to detect the presence of
one opened file.
There are two ways to exit the data-entry session: press F2, or
press the <Enter> key with no data in the Part Number field (even
if the prefix string is in the Part Number field, pressing
<Enter> alone will exit the session).
─── [2] View/Edit Data in Datafile ────────────────────────────
There are two major functions built into one: the Viewer and the
Editor. The major advantage of this dual-function is that the
Editor allows full editing capabilities while also viewing 14
lines per page of data. This allows the user a wide view of the
data area as well as ease of scrolling across it. When this
function is executed from the Main Menu, the Viewer portion is
invoked; the Editor itself is invoked by an internal command from
the Viewer's menu bar. Thus the Editor is not active when the
View/Edit function is first invoked from the Main Menu. When the
Editor is invoked, the viewing commands are still active except
for the Up/Down arrow keys, which are used for another purpose.
Each of the two major functions of View/Edit is described below.
─── Viewer ───
This function is for viewing the contents of an input Datafile
loaded in memory. On the Viewer's menu bar, there are eight com-
mand keys in addition to the <Enter> key (the F1 command key is
not on the menu bar). They are:
F1 ............ Help (not on Viewer's menu bar)
F2 ............ Invoke Editor
Home .......... Top page
18
Main Menu Command Reference
End ........... Bottom page
Page Up ....... Scroll up one page
Page Dn ....... Scroll down one page
<Enter> ....... Same as Page Dn
Up arrow key .. Scroll up one line
Dn arrow key .. Scroll down one line
<ESC> ......... Exit Viewer
The <Enter> key performs the same function as the Page Dn key.
Pressing <ESC> will terminate the Viewer and return you to the
Main Menu.
─── Editor ───
The command F2 is used in the Viewer to invoke the Editor; it is
used also in the Editor to exit from it. Hence pressing the F2
key will flip-flop between the Viewer and Editor. The <Esc> key
will also exit from the Editor back to the Viewer. The Help
screen information invoked by the F1 key in both Viewer and
Editor are mutually exclusive.
There are 17 command keys in addition to the <Enter> key (neither
the F1 command key nor the <Enter> key is on the menu bar). They
are:
F1 ............ Help (not on the Editor's menu bar)
F2,<ESC> ...... Exit the data-editing session
F3 ............ Delete highlighted line
Page Up ....... Scroll up one page
Page Dn ....... Scroll down one page
Home .......... Top page of list
End ........... Bottom page of list
Ins ........... Insert a space at cursor position
Del ........... Delete a character at cursor position
CTRL-Y ........ Clear contents of the editing field bar
UP/DN ......... moves editing field bar up/dn
SHIFT-TAB ..... moves editing field bar across Left
TAB ........... moves editing field bar across Right
CTRL-L ........ same as SHIFT-TAB
CTRL-R ........ same as TAB
Left/Right .... moves cursor inside field bar
<Enter> ....... Same as CTRL-R, with linefeed
As you can see, the viewing commands in the Editor are the same
(except for the Up/Down arrow keys) as in the Viewer. In the
Editor, when invoked, an editing field bar is displayed about
mid-page in reverse video in the Part Number column. This is the
"editing window."
The Up/Down, CTRL-Right and -Left, TAB and SHIFT-TAB, and the
<Enter> keys control the movement of the editing field bar on the
page. The field bar has a scroll region of 8 lines; this means
that, starting from mid-page, the field bar can be moved up or
down 4 lines before the entire page starts to scroll in that
19
■ Power User's Manual ■
direction. The page length is 14 lines; this means you will see
3 lines of data scrolling into the field bar's region from the
top or bottom of the page. (8 lines of field bar's scroll region
+ 3 lines from the top + 3 lines from the bottom equals 14, the
page length).
The CTRL-Right, TAB, and <Enter> keys perform a similar function:
advance the field bar to the next column to the right. The
<Enter> key performs an additional function: at the last column
(on the right side), pressing <Enter> advances the field bar to
the Part Number column on the next line. Neither the CRTL-
Right/Left nor the TAB/SHIFT-TAB keys perform any vertical move-
ment of the field bar. The <Enter> key is useful for terminating
the newly edited string in the field bar, and the bar automati-
cally moves to the next column. The CTRL-Right/Left and
TAB/SHIFT-TAB are auxiliary control keys for the user's con-
venience.
The Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End keys control the page
scrolling of the data. Everytime one of these keys is pressed,
the reversed-video field bar is always repositioned mid-page in
the column it happens to be on.
The Ins, Del, and CTRL-Y keys are the text editing keys executed
inside the field bar. The Left/Right arrow keys control the cur-
sor movement inside the field bar. If the field bar is empty,
the arrow keys have no effect; they move only across the length
of the text string, not across the field bar itself. The Ins key
inserts a space at the cursor position, while the Del key deletes
a character. Pressing CTRL-Y deletes the entire text string in
the field bar so that it is empty.
And finally, the F3 command key deletes the entire line of data
that the field bar is highlighted on. Once deleted, there is no
data recovery.
The Main Menu "View/Edit Data in DataFile" command syntax is:
2 [FILE#]
(The FILE# is in the filename box in the Main Menu)
If there is only one file to take action with in the Main Menu,
there is no need to specify the file number in the command syn-
tax. The Power program is smart enough to detect the presence of
one opened file.
If the Datafile is edited, it will be automatically saved to disk
upon exit from the Viewer/Editor.
─── [3] Save Datafile as Text File ────────────────────────────
20
Main Menu Command Reference
For writing the data (in memory) out to disk in ASCII text. (All
input files created by Power are not text files; they are binary
files.) The syntax of allowable characters for filenames is the
same as that of DOS. For this list of allowable characters, see
the paragraph headed "Input File Initialization."
The Main Menu "Save DataFile as Text File" command syntax is:
3 [FILE#]
(The FILE# is in the filename box in the Main Menu)
If there is only one file to take action with in the Main Menu,
there is no need to specify the file number in the command syn-
tax. The Power program is smart enough to detect the presence of
one opened file.
─── [4] Resequence Line Item Nmbrs ────────────────────────────
Deletions and merges of data require line item numbers to be
resequenced. This function puts them in numerical order.
A prompt to execute this function is offered after every editing
session in which one or more line deletions occurred. It is also
offered every time new data is merged into a Datafile when a
Merge function is executed.
The Main Menu "Resequence Line Item Nmbrs" command syntax is:
4 [FILE#]
(The FILE# is in the filename box in the Main Menu)
If there is only one file to take action with in the Main Menu,
there is no need to specify the file number in the command syn-
tax. The Power program is smart enough to detect the presence of
one opened file.
Resequencing the Datafile from the Main Menu automatically saves
the Datafile contents to disk.
─── [5] Merge Two Datafiles ───────────────────────────────────
Merges an external input Datafile to an input Datafile opened by
Power.
The term MERGER equates to an input file merging into another in-
put file. This file can be an input file opened at the start of
the program or an external file.
21
■ Power User's Manual ■
The term MERGEE equates to input file being merged by the Merger
file. The Mergee is always and must be the input file that was
opened for input at the start of the program.
┌──────┐ merges ┌──────┐
In other words, imagine: │MERGER│ --------> │MERGEE│
└──────┘ to └──────┘
In the merge process, all records whose part numbers match the
part numbers already in the Mergee file are screened out. There
is provision, however, to allow additions of quantities of chips
with matched part numbers, so that all quantities in the two
files of the same part number are added up. This is called the
add-quantity feature.
There are two major types of Merge: Automatic and Semi-Automatic.
Of the Automatic mode, there are two modes. Semi-Automatic rep-
resents the third mode. The three Merge Modes are:
[1] : AUTOMATIC MERGE
o Automatic merge of part numbers unique to the
Mergee
[2] : AUTOMATIC MERGE with auto-quantity-combine
o Same as Mode 1 above, plus:
o Automatic combining of quantities of matched
part numbers from the Merger to those in the
Mergee
[3] : SEMI-AUTOMATIC MERGE
o Same as Mode 1 above, plus:
o Manual inspection of both lines of Merger and
Mergee where part numbers match, for user's
approval before the entire record is merged.
Merging process halts at every match.
NOTE: In this Mode, records of matched part num-
bers CAN be merged, introducing redundancies
in your list. This will not affect the proper
calculations for the current requirement.
The Main Menu "Merge Two DataFiles" command syntax is:
5 [FILE#]
(The FILE# is in the filename box in the Main Menu)
If there is only one file to take action with in the Main Menu,
there is no need to specify the file number in the command syn-
tax. The Power program is smart enough to detect the presence of
one opened file.
Any successful merge operation automatically saves the merged
Datafile to disk upon exit from the Merge function.
22
Main Menu Command Reference
─── [6] Process Datafile(s) ───────────────────────────────────
This is the heart of Power. The current requirement is calcu-
lated for the set of data given in the input Datafiles. The user
is prompted on whether to write the results to disk in ASCII
(text) after the results are popped on the screen. If the user
elects to write the results to disk, the entire list in the input
Datafile(s) are also written to disk along with the results.
This Main Menu item does not require the FILE# parameter.
─── [7] Re-Initialize Program ─────────────────────────────────
Allows the user to re-initialize Power with a new set of input
file(s). It has the same effect as terminating the program and
restarting with another set of input Datafiles. During this
process, the Database contents in memory are kept intact; and the
memory holding the Datafile contents are released when this com-
mand is invoked.
This Main Menu item does not require the FILE# parameter.
─── [8] User Configuration ────────────────────────────────────
User-configurable parameters are window-exploding sound, error
bell sound, and password protection toggle for the Database
Editor function to discourage unauthorized Database changes. The
password can also be changed. Knowledge of this password is re-
quired to either change it or toggle it. The Power program comes
with the editor password set to "Power" (case-sensitive) and with
the Edit Password toggled off.
The configuration menu items are:
[1] : Toggle Window Sound ...... off/on
[2] : Toggle Error Sound ...... off/on
[3] : Toggle Edit Password ...... off/on
[4] : Toggle Color Mode ...... color/text
[5] : Toggle Database Xfer ...... confirm/auto
(other configuration menu items may be pending)
Note: On a black/white display (monochrome), "color/text" is
displayed as "bright/normal" instead.
The first two menu items are self-explanatory. The third item
requires knowledge of the password in order to either toggle the
password or change it with a new one. Everytime you toggle it, a
prompt will first be issued on whether to change the password.
Whether or not the password is to be edited, the user is prompted
23
■ Power User's Manual ■
for the current password. If successful, and if the password-
editing is not invoked, the password is toggled; if invoked, the
user is prompted for the new password and the password will then
be toggled on.
The Color Mode toggle has two different pairs of modes:
Color/Text Pair
Text (black background text with color in all windows), and Color
(all color, in which the window background will be the same as
the window frame background color). The Color/Text toggle selec-
tion is actually the video mode selection of bw80 and co80,
respectively. The Power program will initialize itself to the
Color Mode configuration upon startup, but the original video
mode (which was before the program started) will be returned upon
program exit.
Bright/Normal Pair
If one of three things were done:
1) Use DOS's Mode command to change the video mode to mono,
2) Use the /m option when starting up Power, or
3) Use a monochrome monitor
then the windows interface will be in mono (no color). In this
case, the Bright/Normal pair will affect the text brightness.
Regardless of the settings of the Color/Text pair, the mono video
mode (or the monochrome monitor), if present, takes precedence
over it.
This Main Menu item does not require the FILE# parameter.
─── [9] Database Menu ─────────────────────────────────────────
The Database Menu contains three functions for the Database:
View/Edit, Merge, and Resequence. They are all similar to the
Main Menu functions, the difference being that they deal with the
Database file. The Merge function, however, only has one Merge
Mode as opposed to the three modes offered by the Merge function
in the Main Menu for the Datafile: the Automatic Mode. This is
due to the fact that since the Database does not have a quantity
field, neither would the Merge function have an additional merge
mode with a Quantity-Adding feature. And since the Database as a
general rule should not contain any redundant part numbers,
neither should there be a Semi-Automatic merge mode.
[0] Return to Main Menu ........ exit to Main Menu
[1] View/Edit Database ......... view/edit Database
contents (in memory)
[2] Merge Two Databases ........ merge ext Database
file to this one
[3] Resequence Item Numbers .... resequence Line Item
24
Main Menu Command Reference
numbers in list
If the Database Editor Password in the Configuration Menu is
toggled on, a password will be required to gain access to the
Database Editor function. This gives a measure of security
against unauthorized changes to the Database.
Any changes made to the Database using these functions automati-
cally saves the file to disk upon exit from the respective func-
tions.
There are two ways to return to the Main Menu: type 0 (zero) and
press <Enter>, or simply press <Enter>.
This Main Menu item does not require the FILE# parameter.
─── [10] Help ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Use this function for a menu item description. Enter this com-
mand in the following syntax:
10 [ACTION#]
Also, entering "10" alone will pop up the general help screen.
This Main Menu item does not require the FILE# parameter.
─── [11] About ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
General information about Power is given. Some system parameter
information is also displayed.
─── [12] Register ──────────────────────────────────────────────
This Main Menu item exists only in the shareware version. It
prints the completed registration form to the printer.
When invoked, the Printer Selection window pops up. The user is
prompted on which port (LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3) the desired printer
is connected to. Next, the user answers the question on whether
the printer is to pause between pages to allow for single-sheet
feeds to the printer.
Then the user fills out the order form on-screen by keyboard,
filling in the address, the number of copies ordered, and the
type of diskette desired. The user makes the method of payment
choice. Command keys are shown on the magenta command bar at the
bottom of the screen.
25
■ Power User's Manual ■
The user also fills in the branding name for branding his copy of
Power. An option to use the FAST! registration method is in-
cluded. For more information on the FAST! registration method,
please refer to the REGISTER.DOC file.
Finally, when the order-entry is completed, pressing F2 prints
the order form to the selected printer. The software checks for
the printer status and the Printer Status window pops up. If
there is an error in the printer status (that is, printer out of
paper, printer offline, printer turned off, or printer
disconnected), the software will display the appropriate message
and continuously monitor the status while the problem is being
corrected. When the problem is remedied, the software senses
this and immediately prints to the printer.
26
GENERAL SHAREWARE INFORMATION
───────────────────────────────
Definition of Shareware
─────────────────────────
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs dif-
fer on details -- some request registration while others require
it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you
get anything from the simple right to continue using the software
to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribu-
tion. The author specifically grants the right to copy and dis-
tribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific
group. For example, some authors require written permission
before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
Power is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to
the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to con-
tinue to develop new products. If you find this program useful
and find that you are using Power and continue to use it after a
reasonable trial period, please make the registration payment in-
dicated in the file REGISTER.DOC to the author. The registration
fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one
time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example
is that this software may be used by any number of people and may
be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as
there is no possibility of it being used at one location while
it's being used at another, just as a book cannot be read by two
different persons at the same time.
Both commercial and individual users of Power must register and
pay for their copies of Power within 30 days of first use or
their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be
27
■ Power User's Manual ■
made by contacting the author. Please see the LICENSE.DOC and
SITELICE.DOC files. To register, please see or print out the
REGISTER.DOC file. This form is also located at the end of this
document.
Registered users will receive support from the author for a
period of three months after the date of registration. Further
support after this period will be provided for a fee.
Anyone distributing Power for any kind of remuneration must first
contact the author at the address below for authorization. This
authorization is automatically granted to distributors who are
members of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP); such
distributors may begin offering Power immediately (however, the
author must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept
up-to-date with the latest version of Power).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of Power along to your col-
leagues and friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to
register their copy if they find that they can use it. All
registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the
Power program, if available.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Michael D. O'Connor
Byte O'Software
P.O. Box 283
Sterling, VA 20167
U.S.A.
CompuServe [72050,2241]
28
General Shareware Information
Shareware and the Association of Shareware Professionals
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The shareware concept has made it possible for you to obtain ex-
tremely powerful software at a price you can afford, and it gives
you the opportunity to try the software before you register.
Shareware is kept alive by YOUR support.
Evaluate the program for 30 days and give copies to your friends
for evaluation. If, after the 30 days, you continue to use the
program, then register it by sending us the registration form in-
cluded in this document (or use the file REGISTER.DOC). You will
receive the Latest version, Printed manual, 90-day free BBS Tech-
nical Support, and Reduced price Upgrades.
Help support new developments in Power, register your copy today!
Thank you for your support.
~~~~~ ~~~
Power is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
29
■ Power User's Manual ■
PERSONAL AND SITE LICENSING
─────────────────────────────
Disclaimer / Agreement
────────────────────────
Users of Power must accept the disclaimer of warranty in the file
WARRANTY.DOC.
Individual Users (Personal):
This document and the Power program ("software") are copyrighted
by the author. The copyright owner hereby licenses you to use
the "shareware" version of the software according to the file
LICENSE.DOC, under the heading in capital letters, TRIAL USE AND
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION LICENSE. In general, the restrictions are:
o the program shall be supplied in its original, un-
modified form, which includes this documentation;
o for-profit use without a license is prohibited;
o the program may not be included - or bundled - with
other goods or services. Exceptions may be granted
upon written request only.
o no fee is charged; an exception is granted to not-
for-profit user's groups, which are permitted to
charge a small fee for materials, handling, postage,
and general overhead. No other organization is per-
mitted to charge any amount for distribution of
copies of the software or documentation, or to in-
clude copies of the software or documentation with
sales of their own products.
For further specific information, see the file LICENSE.DOC under
the heading in capital letters, TRIAL USE AND LIMITED DISTRIBU-
TION LICENSE. This agreement is applicable to the use of the
"shareware" version of the software.
Also, the PERSONAL OR SITE LICENSE AGREEMENT is given in the file
LICENSE.DOC, under the heading in capital letters, PERSONAL OR
SITE LICENSE AGREEMENT. This agreement is applicable to the use
of the "registered" version of the software.
In addition, upon registration, the terms of the PERSONAL OR SITE
LICENSE AGREEMENT is binding to the individual user, whether the
agreement is signed and sent to the author with the order or not.
This is for the protection of both the user and the author. This
agreement is used for both the individual user and the company
30
Personal and Site Licensing
user; there is a clause within the agreement that specifies the
party in question to be either the individual user (personal) or
the company user (site).
Company Users (Site):
The above restrictions given for the individual user apply as
well to the company users for the shareware version of the
software. This software may be freely evaluated for a period of
30-days.
A company site license is required for continued regular use of
this software in a company site location. The company site
license agreement is given in the file LICENSE.DOC; the company
may use the license agreement or offer a license agreement of
their own for the author's consideration. Please refer to the
SITELICE.DOC file for site license fees and quantity discounts.
31
■ Power User's Manual ■
How to contact the Author
───────────────────────────
There are several ways to contact the author:
An electronic bulletin board (BBS) is used to support Power. You
may contact the author at these support boards 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
The support boards are:
Engineer's Network (ENGINET)
(513) 858-2688 USR HST (8N1)
Steve A. Witters, P.E., Sysop
Southern Maryland Christian Information Services (SMCIS)
(301) 862-1527 HST Dual Standard (8N1)
(301) 862-3160 HST 14.4 (8N1)
Buggs Bugnon, Sysop
The permanent address below provides a way to contact the author
by mail:
Byte O'Software
P.O. Box 283
Sterling, VA 20167
U.S.A.
CompuServe [72050,2241]
If you have any questions or suggestions concerning Power, feel
free to call or write. The BBSs (listed above) is open to the
public. In all matters of customer service, however, priority
belongs to the registered users.
32
APPLICATION NOTES
───────────────────
Power is not intended to give an accurate "prediction" of current
requirements to run IC chips. It is intended to give electronics
engineers the wherewithal to come to a very likely electrical
current figure (often less than the worst case value) before the
circuit is built, even if IC chips with mixed current require-
ments are used. It is important to note that adding or removing
a few IC chips in a large circuit will not adversely affect the
overall electrical current requirement, particularly if these
chips being added or removed represent low current requirements.
One common application would be to determine the necessary power
supply with the calculated current requirement, thus reducing the
required lead time before the finished product. Another is that
the engineer can design to the calculated current requirement
with about 84 percent confidence of its accuracy instead of
designing to a worst case value. Along with the calculated cur-
rent, the total typical current and total maximum current of all
the IC chips involved in the calculation are both given in the
calculated-results display in Power.
The databooks generally give the supply current requirements of
each IC chip in a parameter called "Icc." It is usually given in
typical and maximum values. If only one value is given and it is
a typical value, double the figure for the maximum current input.
If the maximum current figure is given without a typical figure,
halve the figure for the typical current input. The input for
typical current and maximum current in a data-entry session
should never be the same; this has a direct affect in the cal-
culation results. When you enter these values in a data-entry
session, enter them in milliamperes. Real numbers are supported
in Power.
Running POWER in Microsoft Windows
────────────────────────────────────
Although Power was not originally designed to run in Windows, it
will run successfully in either a "windowed" or "full-screen"
display (this is user-selectable in the Microsoft Windows PIF
editor) as a non-Windows DOS application. Running Power in a
"windowed" display requires more memory space than in a "full-
screen" display.
If a PIF file is not created for Power, Power will run in a
full-screen display, if there is enough memory. For help on how
to create a PIF file, refer to Microsoft Windows User's Guide.
Power has been tested in both Windows 3.0 and 3.1 and will run
successfully in both, but there are some cosmetic differences.
33
■ Power User's Manual ■
Author's Recommendation
─────────────────────────
If you want to run Power in Microsoft Windows, the author recom-
mends running Power in "full-screen" display, since the colors
are displayed in original colors, Power runs faster, and is a
complete window-ized package anyway.
Depending on the outcome of this initial release (Power version
1.00), the author may undertake to produce a Windows version of
Power.
34
Rev 10-09-92
End of Documentation
▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀■▄■▀
Copyright 1991-1992 Michael D. O'Connor
All Rights Reserved
35
Index
A Merge Two DataFiles, 21
About, 25 Process DataFile(s), 23
Add-quantity Re-Initialize Program, 23
described, 22 Register, 25
Resequence Line Item Nmbrs,
C 21
Color Mode Toggle Save DataFile as Text File,
described, 24 20
syntax, 12, 16
D User Configuration, 23
DataBase View/Edit Data in DataFile,
default extension for, 11 18
described, 3, 4, 5, 15 Merge Command
Editor Password, 14, 25 syntax, 18, 20, 21, 22
filename for, 9
loading into memory, 9 N
menu, 24 Number-of-pins
searches in, 17 standard sets of, 17
DataFile
default extension for, 11 O
described, 4, 5, 9, 12, 15 Ombudsman
how to contact, 29
E
Editor P
described, 19 Password Protection
described, 23
F maximum length, 14
Filename Box operation of, 13, 14
described, 10, 12
Q
H Quantity Field
Help Command default entry, 17
syntax, 25
R
I Registration Form
Input Filenames printing, 25
allowable characters of, 10
maximum length, 10 S
signature, 10 Shareware
defined, 27
L
License V
conditions, 30 Viewer
referenced, 27 described, 18
M
Main Menu Commands, 16
About, 25
DataBase Menu, 24
Enter New Data to DataFile,
17
Exit, 16
Help, 25
36
HOW TO REGISTER
─────────────────
INTRODUCTION
────────────
This section contains Power registration information, fees, or-
dering instructions. You can print out the Registration Form
(it's also an invoice) via Main Menu item 12 from within Power.
The program lets you fill in the blanks in the form and computes
your total cost for you based on your selections. You can order
a registered version of Power by credit card through phone num-
bers and addresses listed below. With other forms of payment,
you can send me the printed Registration Form directly.
For additional information on Power, see the README.1ST file con-
tained in the archive.
Please note: Main Menu item 12 (Register) is the only way that
the order form can be filled in and printed out.
There is no order form here or in any of the
documentation.
1
SHAREWARE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES
───────────────────────────────────────
30-DAY EVALUATION PERIOD IS FREE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You may use Power for the first 30 days free of charge, under the
terms of the TRIAL USE LICENSE in file LICENSE.DOC. After this
30-day evaluation period, if you continue to use it, please pur-
chase a registered copy from me by paying the license fee.
LICENSE FEE
~~~~~~~~~~~
The single user (personal license) fee is $49 for the program,
plus shipping and applicable sales tax for residents of Maryland.
Site licenses are available with quantity discounts as shown in
file SITELICE.DOC. Source code is not available.
WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU REGISTER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I receive your registration order, I will send you a dis-
kette with the latest copy of the program in a self-extracting
archive, a printed copy of the User's Manual, and your personal
registration information on the bottom status bar in the program
screen (mandatory), along with the Serial Number. Mail support,
BBS support, and CompuServe E-mail support for 90 days are given.
Registered users will receive notices of future upgrades when
available at a reduced cost. The size of your new Power program,
when you receive it in the diskette, will be approximately 57Kb
smaller because the Register item selection in the Main Menu is
not included in the registered version.
BRANDING
~~~~~~~~
Part of the registration process is the branding of your software
with either your personal name or the name of the company of your
choice. If you wish, you can give such specific names as "GSFC
Engineering Department" (GSFC for Goddard Space Flight Center) or
your personal initials. The brand name must include the company
name or its initials, or your personal name or initials. For ex-
ample, the name "Engineering Department" is not acceptable. Per-
sonal initials, if used, should match the first letters of the
name listed on the invoice as the recipient of the software
license.
I have provided a prompt in reverse-video for entering your brand
name in the Register function of the Main Menu (item 12) for this
purpose. If this entry is blank, the company name you specify in
the company name prompt (part of your address entry) will be
used. If this is also blank, the name of the person in the ad-
dress (in the invoice) will be used.
There is no extra cost for branding.
2
WHERE/HOW TO REGISTER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For best results, run the Main Menu item 12 (Register). Power
will calculate and itemize the total cost automatically, includ-
ing quantity discounts and sales tax. You can also select pay-
ment methods and addresses to send your remittance to. The com-
plete information can be printed as an invoice. Send this form
to me with your remittance (after approval from the accounting
department, if required). If you want to place a credit card or-
der, you still need this printed form so you can tell the
operator all the data needed, including the Sales Code printed on
the form. In this case, you may use one of the registration
methods shown in the next few pages, as appropriate to you. The
same information is given in Main Menu item 12 (Register).
Before placing a credit card order, first type in the blanks in
the Power Main Menu item 12, then print it out and give the
operator the Sales Code listed on the print-out. Make sure you
give the operator the spelling of the name (31 characters long)
to be used in your license (mandatory).
If you want to make a comment about Power, you can send me the
Commentary Form printed via Main Menu item 12 directly to me.
NOTE: Company Site Users must sign the License Agree-
ment (see LICENSE.DOC file) and send it by mail
direct to the author. The company may elect to
issue their own agreement and send it to me for
consideration. See the file SITELICE.DOC for
quantity discounts.
NOTE: If you are ordering by credit card, please do
not send me the order form. Call them, or send
it to the address shown on the print-out. The
same information is given below.
3
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS BY PHONE, FAX, OR MAIL TO THE U.S. │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
You may purchase a registered copy of Power by credit card from
Public (software) Library (PsL) in Houston, Texas. When PsL
notifies me of your order, I will ship directly to you. Orders
are shipped within 48 hours of receipt.
For single user registration only by MasterCard, VISA, American
Express, or DiscoverCard, use the phone, FAX, postal mail, or
CompuServe MAIL numbers listed below.
NOTE: This is not for technical support, volume discounts, site
licensing, or product information. THIS IS FOR ORDERING
ONLY. Please do not call PsL for any other reason. (PsL
distributes software and cannot provide any information.)
U.S. Outside of Houston, TX: 800-242-4775
International or in Houston, TX: 713-524-6394
FAX: 713-524-6398
CompuServe Mail: 71355,470
Postal Mail: Public (software) Library
Post Office Box 35705
Houston, TX 77235-5705
U.S.A.
┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 2. WHEN YOU SHOP THE COMPUSERVE MALL. │
└────────────────────────────────────────┘
You can also purchase a registered copy of Power by credit card
on the CompuServe Mall from the ASP disk vendor, Software Excite-
ment! Just sign on to CompuServe, type !GO SE and follow the in-
structions. When Software Excitement! notifies me of your order,
I will ship directly to you. Orders are shipped within 48 hours
of receipt.
NOTE: CompuServe connect-time charges are free when you shop the
CompuServe Mall.
4
┌────────────────────┐
│ 3. BY MAIL TO ME. │
└────────────────────┘
You may order a registered copy of Power from me directly by
sending the correct total, including shipping and handling, by
cash; U.S. personal, cashier, or certified check on a U.S. bank;
or money order.
Please do not send credit card orders to this address!
Michael D. O'Connor
Byte O'Software
P.O. BOX 283
Sterling, VA 20167
U.S.A.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 4. THROUGH BUERG SOFTWARE's VOR/MOTHERBOARD BBSs. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
You may order a registered copy of Power by VISA/MC online, while
connected to Buerg Software's VOR and Motherboard BBSs which sup-
port my product. You may also order by voice or FAX. When Buerg
Software notifies me of your order, I will ship directly to you.
Orders are shipped within 48 hours of receipt:
FAX: 707-769-5479
Voice: 707-769-5478
VOR BBS: 707-778-8944
Motherboard BBS: 707-778-8841
To order online, just sign onto either BBS at the main command
level, follow the instructions after issuing this this command to
get into the ORDER door:
OPEN ORDER
5
┌───────────────────────┐
│ 5. AUSTRALIAN USERS. │
└───────────────────────┘
You may order a registered copy of Power by check, money order,
or VISA/MC with BudgetWare if you want to avoid calling the
United States. You may also order by voice or FAX. When Budget-
Ware notifies me of your order, I will ship directly to you. Or-
ders are shipped within 48 hours of receipt:
Please be sure to call or write BudgetWare for current exchange
rates on the price of Power ($49, plus $8 U.S. shipping).
FAX: (02) 516-4236 Intl +61 2 5164236
Voice: (02) 519-4233 Intl +61 2 5194233
CompuServe Mail: 76304,3672
Postal Mail: BudgetWare
P.O. Box 496
Newtown NSW 2042
AUSTRALIA
6
TERMS
─────
CREDIT CARD ORDERS for single-user licenses are placed through
phone or CompuServe mail as shown below, or by FAX or postal mail
shown earlier in this file. CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS must be in US
funds drawn only on a US bank. Send CASH only by registered
mail. Cashier/certified checks, cash, money order, and credit
card orders are processed WITHIN 48 HOURS of receipt.
You, the individual user, are bound by the terms and conditions
of the PERSONAL or SITE SOFTWARE LICENSE (see LICENSE.DOC file)
even if you do not sign the license (the company must sign this
site license). When you register for Power, you agree to this.
This is for the protection of both the user and the author.
NOTE: Personal checks may be subject to a bank clearance delay
before shipment is made. This is typically 7 days for an
out-of-state check.
COMPANY OR AGENCY PURCHASE ORDERS. Orders under $100 must be
prepaid. Purchase orders for amounts of $100 and over are ac-
cepted from established companies. Have your purchasing agent
contact me for terms.
7
FAST! CONVERSION TO REGISTERED VERSION BY PHONE
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you want to convert your shareware version of Power to the
registered version over the phone FAST, here's how.
You indicate on the order form (on the last page of the order
form) your desire to have me call you as soon as I receive your
order (by mail direct to me or through other means as provided
above). I will then give you instructions over the phone so that
your software will be registered in your name with a unique
serial number automatically generated. This will take only a
minute or so. I will then ship you the Power Manual by mail, and
you will have a registered version of Power to use while waiting
for the manual to reach you. This saves both of us time. Of
course, this is useful if there is no current upgrade; if the new
upgrade is available, I will be sending it to you by mail along
with the manual.
Please note:
Company checks sent to me by mail will be accepted immediately,
but out-of-state personal checks will require a bank clearance
period of about 7 days before I call you to give you the instruc-
tions. This does not apply if you order by credit card. If you
want to avoid this snag and get a faster response, use only a
certified check or money order. Cash is okay, if you hide it
well; but this incurs risk on your part.
Please note:
The offer for FAST! registration by phone is not valid for mul-
tiple quantity diskettes or multiple-site licenses. Serial num-
bers must be individually assigned.
8
===============================================================
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ORDER BY MAIL:
PRESS 12 IN THE MAIN MENU OF POWER,
TYPE IN YOUR SELECTIONS AND ADDRESS,
PRINT IT OUT, AND THEN
SEND THIS FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:
Michael D. O'Connor
Byte O'Software
P.O. Box 283
Sterling, VA 20167
U.S.A.
Note: Credit card orders are NOT accepted at this address.
Public (software) Library (PsL for short) will accept
credit card orders.
===============================================================
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ORDER BY PHONE WITH A CREDIT CARD,
CALL ONE OF THE SUPPORT NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE PREVIOUS PAGES,
OR REFER TO THE Register MAIN MENU ITEM.
Read the note under the paragraph title "WHERE/HOW TO REGISTER"
above.
===============================================================
Thank you!
9
