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================================================================= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =========================== = ======================= MAGIC KEY/PAD ======================= = =========================== = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = [ ][ ][ ][ ] = = [ ][ ][ ] = = [ ][ ][ ][ ] = = [ ] [ ] = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = PC MAGIC Inc. = = = = 2490 Bloor Street West = = Toronto, Ontario, Canada = = M6S 1R4 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = We provide software - You do the magic = = = ================================================================= ======================================================[ LICENSE ] PC MAGIC Inc. grants a limited license to all users of this package, to make copies of this package and to distribute them to others users subject to the following conditions: 1. No fee is to be charged, collected or received for copying, distribution or other services without the written permission of PC MAGIC Inc. 2. No fee is to be charged if the user is using the package in a private, personal, non commercial, non institutional or non financially rewarding environment on a private non commercial single user machine and henceforth to be known as Private Licensee User. 3. A non qualified user under section two, to be known as Commercial Licensee User, may become a Customer of PC MAGIC Inc. as a non-exclusive paid-up licensee to use the software package on a single machine, by a single user, subject to the following conditions: a). The Customer is permitted to make additional copies of the software and distribute them but not to benefit financially or in any other way. b). The customer is not permitted to use the software package on more then one machine and for benefit of more than one user at any time. 4. A Private License User is not required to register but the Commercial License User must send the enclosed Registration Form with the required Fee within five days of use. The Licensee will be given a Registration Number. 5. Bulletin Board Operators and like Distributors of software using Communication, Mail and like systems and services must be identified as such and must register even though they may qualify as Private License Users. If they charge any fee including membership they must register as the Commercial License Users. 6. The User may use the registered copy and the title to the diskette on which the software may be transferred, but not the title of the software and designs throughout the package. All copyright notices shall be retained on all copies by PC MAGIC Inc. 7. The License is given for the rights to use the software as is and is not transferable to another party. If you are a Private Licensee User and you appreciate the package value and efforts in making it, your voluntary contribution will be geatly appreciated. Contributions over $35.00 US or $50.00 Canadian will place you on the user list. A license for multi user, multi machine or special environment may be considered and requires a special written permissions by PC MAGIC Inc. Magic Key/Pad License Registration Form PC MAGIC Inc. 2490 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 1R4 Application Date __________ Using Current Version _____ [] Private License Voluntary donation __________ NAME _______________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ PHONE (___)_________ POSTAL CODE ________ [] Commercial SINGLE user SINGLE machine License Fee $100.00 US or $125.00 Canadian ______ COMPANY ____________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ PHONE (___)_________ POSTAL CODE ________ ATTENTION TO: _____________________ [] Software Distributors must complete one of above and following information : Distribution type and media: Membership: Telephone access: ( ) ___ - ____ --------------------------------------[ Statistical Information ] Computer Make and Type: Operating System: Monitor Type: Monochrome [], Color [] Package intended use/application: Comments: ======================================================[ PREFACE ] This document describes MAGIC KEY/PAD, a screen design software package, including the design presentation program for the designed screens. This document uses the square brackets ("[ ]") for the notation and presentation of the keys of the keyboard and also some package mode names, such as: [Esc] - Escape key [Ctrl] - Control key [DESIGN] - Design mode The term keypad refers to the numeric keys (1 to 9) situated at the right end of the keyboard including the surounding keys [-], [+], [Ins], and [Del]. The keypad design used with the package has also its own unique design which is displayed on the screen as: [ ][ ][ ][ ] [ ][ ][ ] [ ][ ][ ][ ] [ ] [ ] The keyboard keys and the display of the symbol pad make this unique combination which has been named KEY/PAD and has become the package trademark. The term "diskette" is used throughout the document and refers also to the storage media of a disk and to the fixed disk. We assume that the user has a working knowladge to turn the machine on, and name and copy files and diskettes for backup purposes. The organization of the material is presented in the contents. User should at least read "Starting" section and familiarize with the manual before using the system. A synopsis of the most important information may be found in the Appendix. ---------------------------[ Hardware and Software Requirements ] MAGIC KEY/PAD may be used with most IBM PC and compatible system using 64K bytes of memory and at least one diskette drive but preferably two. Programs are written in IBM PC Basic interpreter and compiled. =====================================================[ CONTENTS ] SOFTWARE LICENSE PREFACE CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................... 1 FEATURES ............................... 2 Control Panel ....................... 2-1 Design .............................. 2-1 Cursor .............................. 2-1 Modes ............................... 2-2 Safety .............................. 2-2 Symbol Groups ....................... 2-2 STARTING ............................... 3 Read Me ............................. 3-1 Package Parts ....................... 3-2 Make a Line ......................... 3-2 Make a Rectangle .................... 3-3 Grid / Pipe Making .................. 3-3 Suggestions ......................... 3-3 COMMANDS and FUNCTIONS ................. 4 Clear / Erase the Screen ............ 4-1 Cut and Paste ....................... 4-1 Design Processing ................... 4-1 Direction Selection ................. 4-2 Display Features .................... 4-2 Manual / Step Drawing ............... 4-2 Single/Multi Step ................... 4-3 Symbol Selection .................... 4-3 POSITIONING ............................ 5 APPENDIX ............................... A Commands and Functions List ......... A-1 Commands Cross-reference List ....... A-2 Positioning Functions List .......... A-3 Positioning Cross-reference List .... A-3 Design Steps ........................ B-1 Tips and Technigues ................. C-1 Problem with ... ................... C-1 Presentation / Show Program ......... D-1 Print Screen Designs ................ E-1 Re-create Index File ................ F-1 =================================================[ INTRODUCTION ] MAGIC KEY/PAD is a comprehensive and powerful screen design package that uses the full character symbol set available with the computer systems. The package is primarily a design tool to provide a dynamic visual communication with the computer through effective use of Display Screens in the computer TEXT mode for both monochrome and color monitor users. MAGIC KEY/PAD provides innovative access to Business graphics pictographs, Greek symbols, Mathematical notation, a half a dozen European language characters, Arrows and Game signs and patterns, and all conveniently available from the keypad. The package is an algorithmic language by itself, providing a powerful set of functions and commands. It is not a Menu driven language but uses the keyboard as talented command device allowing creative design composition just as a piano keyboard is used to compose music. MAGIC KEY/PAD allows a broad scope of creative freedom in the design process. There are no procedures to follow to use available screen features and the package functions and commands. The "Cut and Paste" feature allows any portion of, or even the whole design to be used in subsequent screen designs or stored in a library. The uses for designed screens are limited only by the imagination. Sophisticated demo's, slide shows and presentations have a professional quality that need not have a prohibitive cost. Everyday uses such as screen layouts, design specifications, project charts and graphs are easily handled as well as a programmer's utility tool in screen design for new computer applications. The many other uses range from the teaching of design and study of color to layout of forms that can be printed on the system printer. The designed screens are stored as pages of a book on the diskettes providing the simplest concept of information storage and retrieval. They can be viewed using a versatile presentation program with foreward, backward and search features. This program is written in Basic Language and compiled for faster execution, but still allows the user to see how functions are performed for better understanding of the design tool and processes involved in the creation of designs. 1-1 ========================== ========================= FEATURES ======================== ========================= ================================================[ CONTROL PANEL ] A panel area at the bottom of the screen provides information on the option, status, and features used in the creation of designs. For instance, it shows: - Foreground, Background and Border color - Blink-on and Reverse state - Mode of Use, Design, or Text - Direction of drawing - Last pressed key on keypad - Currently selected Symbol Group - Currently selected Draw symbol - Current and Reference points =======================================================[ DESIGN ] This package presents a dynamic way of creating designs without the restrictions of pre-defined computer sequences and procedures. The package employs "Cut and Paste" technique. Designed screens are named and saved as pages of a book. The designs can be recalled at any time. A design part can be overlayed on others thus creating new designs. These designs also may be uniquely named, saved, and recalled. Thus a variety of designs can be collected in a library for later use. When created in "film- frame" sequence form, they may be later viewed in Slide show or Demo fashion. =======================================================[ CURSOR ] Just as it is necessary for one to position the drawing instrument in "freehand" technique, so it is necessary to position the cursor on the computer screen. The flashing cursor identifies the current position on the screen where the "pen" is located. The system keeps track of direction of the cursor movements and displays them on the bottom left and right corners of the screen. In the left corner the direction indicator is in the form of an arrow direction, and in the right in the form of the last pressed key on the keypad. The cursor can be moved in different ways on the screen: - In TEXT mode: by using arrow directional keys of the keypad or space bar. - In [MOVE+D] mode (selected with [F10] ): by using the arrow directional keys of the keypad and the rest of the keys of the keypad for diagonal cursor movement and positioning. The center key [5], if pressed, will place the selected DRAW SYMBOL on that position. - By pressing [F9] function key the cursor continues to move in the previously specifed direction as shown on the panel. 2-1 ========================================================[ MODES ] Mode selection is at the option of the user. Select the TEXT mode to display the text in typewriter fashion on the screen. The DESIGN mode is used to create line images, texture and pattern. =======================================================[ SAFETY ] The accidental activation of some commands on the keyboard can destroy a part of screen design work. This problem can be prevented, in part, by using the [SAVE] command as often as desired. The user may choose to name the design and save it as a disk file. Whenever the name is omitted the design is saved temporarily and can be retrieved at the strike of a key. At the end of the session the design on the screen is automatically saved and re-displayed the next time the system is turned on. ================================================[ SYMBOL GROUPS ] Symbols which are not visibly available at the keyboard, but are available with the package are displayed in the right area of the panel in the form of the keypad layout. They are presented in groups of symbols and the group name is also displayed. The following groups are defined : - Double line frame - Single Line frame - Double horizontal line frame - Double vertical line frame - 1 Arrows - 2 Arrows2 - 3 Games - 4 Lines-Horizontal - 5 Lines-Vertical - 6 Math-1 / Greek Notations - 7 Math-2 / Math. Notations - 8 Math-3 / Math. Notations - 9 Textures - 10 Units - 11 France, Italy, Spain - 12 German, Sweden - 13 Norway, Denmark - 14 Others When selecting a symbol group, use the space bar to see the next symbol group or the backspace key to re-display the previous group. 2-2 ============================== ===================== STARTING ======================== ============================== ======================================================[ READ ME ] To avoid disappointment make a backup copy of the package diskette and keep the original copy in a safe place. If you have a two diskette drive system, format a diskette to be used as data diskette for created designs. To start, follow these steps: 1. Turn computer power on and initiate the operating system until "A>" prompt appears. 2. Insert the package diskette into the system drive A and if using two drive system, insert the data diskette into drive B. 3. Enter the following command to install package: A>SETUP Once the system options are entered one need not repeat the installation procedure again but enter command: A>PAD If the package is succesfully installed the package logo and options will be displayed on the screen. You should read the manual first. The HELP function [Ctrl]+[F1] will also provide you with what functions are available at the time of use. If you get stuck, press [Esc] key one or more times until you get to familiar ground. The best way to start using the package is to experience it, that is, the hands-on approach. If you have made a backup of your package and data diskette then there is nothing to be concerned about. One word of warning, read the messages and don't rush. Rather, be observant and let the system work as much as possible for you. Take one function or command at a time and try it. Get familiar with [Esc], [SAVE] and [LOAD]. At most, what you may lose is the work from the last save. Therefore, save designs frequently to the temporary file or a named file. Note, that when using some functions such as the Select Symbol, you must end the selection by pressing the corresponding symbol key on the keypad or end the function using [Esc] key. 3-1 ================================================[ PACKAGE PARTS ] The package consists of the following parts: MAKE DESIGN DESIGN PRESENTATION In the MAKE DESIGN part of the package one has to select the Design or Text mode first to create some designs. In most cases, it is better to start with the Design mode in order to have a good idea about the space required for the design, and then fill in the text. Also, the text should compliment the design. For the text, as well as for the design, we can also use the "Cut and Paste" technique to copy information to other parts of the screen or to other pages. One should also plan ahead and have an outline in mind as to the overall design approach in terms of steps and sequence of commands and functions. This would minimize the number of steps and would provide for faster and more efficient ways of obtaining designs. The design overlays should be done from frame to center or from one side to the opposite. The right approach will come from experience and familiarity with the package functions and commands. On the bottom part of the screen there is a control panel area. This can be ignored but it may also be useful from time to time, especially to reaffirm the status of various selections. The DESIGN PRESENTATION program may be used any time to show the created designs. The detail description can be found in the Appendix. ==================================================[ MAKE a LINE ] There are various options to draw a line: - Select Single or Multi step to obtain full or dot/dash line, press [F1]. - Single step indicator is one <1 >. - Multi step values are 2 and up and they are changed with [F2]. The Draw Symbol with which the line will be drawn is shown in the right screen corner like this: <+> If it is missing press [F6] and the Draw Symbol will appear. To change the symbol you should first press Select Symbol key [F3]. The current Symbol Group is displayed in the right corner. If the desired symbol is not there press [F4] to advance to the next group, and continue pressing [F4] until the symbol apears on the screen. Now just press the keypad key and the symbol will appear on the screen. One can use color to see how it would look with the other parts of the design at this time or change later when generating lines. To select symbol color foreground press [Alt]+[F9]. To select symbol background color continue to press [Alt]+[F8] until the right color shows up, and then press [Alt]+[F8] if you want to see the screen in a color frame. 3-2 To draw the line, Reference and Current points must be apart. To draw a horizontal/row line you simply press [SHIFT]+[F5] or for a vertical/column line [SHIFT]+[F6]. The line ends at the current point and reference point is used only as the line limiter. To draw a number of parallel lines move the current point and press the line key of desired line type. =============================================[ MAKE A RECTANGLE ] To draw a rectangular frame, first select the two opposite corners of the rectangle with the Reference and Current points. Press the Select Symbol Group key [F4], if the keypad display is not showing the desired frame type Symbol Group. Then press [SHIFT]+[F7] and the rectangular frame will be drawn. If the frame, color or any part of the composition is not appealing, press the required function keys to change them and repeat [SHIFT]+[F7] to redraw the rectangle. The inside area of the rectangle may be filled by pressing [SHIFT]+[F8], a few times if necessary, to fill in the whole inside area. At times, as desired, one could also change the Draw Symbol, and color, blink and other features to achieve the desired design effect. During this procedure there is no need to change Reference and Current points. =============================================[ GRID/PIPE MAKING ] If the rectangle should also have grid lines, proceed with the selection of the desired Symbol Group type . Move the cursor to the point from which the grid line should start, and adjust the direction indicator to line-up with line direction by using [F7] and [F8]. Next press [F10] to set it to [DRAW] mode. Note [F10] also sets [MOVE+D] mode. With this mode you could reposition the cursor to any desired position on the screen by pressing keypad keys as direction setters instead of [F7] or [F8]. This will become very clear when using those functions with the keypad and looking at the panel indicators. If some gaps are desired along the line, press [F9], and the moves will be made without alternating the direction. ==================================================[ SUGGESTIONS ] The temporary saves of the design should be done frequently, especially if automatic draw functions are used. If designs are done using the step function as [DRAW] and [D-DRAW], correction of the undesirable moves may be made by using the backspace key, which in the draw mode remembers a sequence of steps and restores the previous state of the screen design. This system allows full range of functions for your creativity, so go ahead and use it. First explore what the package can do, and when you feel confortable with it, design pages of your ideas. You don't have to know all or use all the functions and commands to get there. Perhaps, for the first time you can get a good feel of what computers can be and still be able to explore your own ways. There is no ultimate tool, the closest we can come is the tool for the right time, the right job and the right user. 3-3 ================================== =================== COMMANDS and FUNCTIONS ====================== =================================== Functions and commands are initiated or executed by pressing one or two keys at a time. When using more than one key, one of the following special keys is used: - Alt Alternate key - Ctrl Control Key - Shift Shift Key Note; the above keys must be pressed first if used with any other key, because other keys may have assigned functions of their own. A compete list and cross-reference of functions and commands are given also in the appendix. =======================================[ CLEAR/ERASE THE SCREEN ] The screen design area can be erased completely or partly. To clear the whole screen design area use [Alt]+[F2]. To clear a smaller area, set the Draw Symbol to blank with [F6] key and perform a draw function which fits the area best. For example draw a rectangle frame and fill-in. ================================================[ CUT and PASTE ] To use Cut and Paste functions one must first define the area to be "cut" from the screen. The area is defined by two opposite corner points of a rectangle specified by the Reference and Current points. Thus, these points must be chosen first. To cut press [Shft]+[F9]. The cut design is kept in memory until the next cut command. To "paste" the design, an area must also be specified of the same or greater size as in the "cut" function. The Reference point must be used for upper left corner and Current point for bottom right corner on the screen where the design should be reproduced. If the area is a multiple of the original cut area, the "cut design" will be reproduced multiple times. Designs are separated by a row and column which also must be considered. To paste press [Shft]+[F10] keys. ============================================[ DESIGN PROCESSING ] This package provides a few functions dealing with the maintenance of the fully or partly completed designs. Even as the designs are made they should be saved temporarily which is done by omitting the name when requested to enter one by default. The name could be up to 8 characters long made of letters and numbers. Once saved, the designs could be recalled and loaded back to screen. An index of the saved designs is maintained. To SAVE a design press [Alt]+[F4] keys. 4-1 To LOAD a design press [Alt]+[F3] keys. To LIST the Index press [Alt]+[F1] keys. The sequence number and the design name are displayed. To display the next name from the index list, press space bar. To view the design, press [+] key, and if you wish to delete this design press [-] key. ==========================================[ DIRECTION SELECTION ] The following functions are valid in [MOVE] Mode. To reverse cursor direction, press [F7]. To advance cursor direction, clockwise, press [F8] key. =============================================[ DISPLAY FEATURES ] To select a screen feature press the following keys any number of times for: BACKGROUNG ........... [Alt]+[F10] BLINK ON/OFF ......... [Alt]+[F6] BORDER ............... [Alt]+[F8] FOREGROUND ........... [Alt]+[F9] REVERSE screen grounds [Alt]+[F5] ==========================================[ MANUAL/STEP DRAWING ] Step drawing is available in the DESIGN mode only and is accomplished by pressing a key at a time. One may backstep and restore a previous design state by using the backstep arrow key. MOVE and DRAW [MOVE+D] selected with [F10] ------------------------------------------- Cursor positionning may be done using all the keypad keys but key [5] when pressed, places the Draw Symbol on the current cursor position. DRAW [DRAW] selected also with [F10] key ---------------------------------------- In this draw mode the cursor must be moved to required position first and a Symbol Group will be displayed. You may reselect the Symbol Group and then press the corresponding key of the keypad including the [-], [+], [Del] and [Ins] keys. The selected symbol is drawn on the cursor position and then the cursor is moved in predefined direction for a number of steps as shown on the control panel. Direction of movement is not changed. You may press another key or select other function. DIRECTIONAL DRAW [D+DRAW] selected with [F5] -------------------------------------------- In this draw mode when a keypad key is pressed, the Draw Symbol is placed at the current cursor position before the cursor is moved in the direction determined by the pressed keypad key and for the number of spaces indicated by the step value. 4-2 ============================================[ SINGLE/MULTI STEP ] Single/Multi step is selected by [F1] key. Single step is always one <1>. The multi step is presented with any non one value. To change multi step value, keep pressing [F2] key. These value parameters are set with these functions to be used with the others, as required. =============================================[ SYMBOL SELECTION ] For flexibility of use, one may select symbols by different ways in both DESIGN and TEXT modes. In the TEXT mode, one types the marked keys to be displayed on the screen on the keyboard as on the typewriter. If one needs other character or symbols not on the keyboard, press [F3] key. A Symbol Group will be displayed. Keep pressing [F3] or the space bar until the required symbol appears with a group. By pressing the corresponding key of the keypad, the specified key will be displayed on the screen and also as a new Draw Symbol for line draw if required for design mode. Similarly, to select a regular symbol from the keyboard for a Draw Symbol, press [F4] followed by desired keyboard symbol. In DESIGN mode the Draw Symbol is used in a number of draw functions. Similarly, as in TEXT mode, to indicate the desire to select a new Draw Symbol, press [F3] key, but to change the Symbol group, use [F4] key. To interrupt the selection function, press [Esc] key. 4-3 =================================== =================== POSITIONING ====================== ================================== The cursor may be referred to as the current point when we are talking in design terms. One way of moving the cursor is with the keypad keys on the right end of the keyboard. A faster way to move the cursor from the current point to other locations on the screen in the DESIGN MODE, is to move to a specific position on the screen, and then use the keypad for repositioning if necessary. For these moves we need only to press the first letter of the command which describes the move. For instance, the upper left corner of the screen is known as HOME position, which is in row 1 and column 1. Similarly, we can move to the center or the end of the design area by pressing letters [c] or [e]: h------------+ ROW COLUMN | | [h] HOME 1 1 | c | [c] CENTER 11 41 | | [e] END 20 80 +------------e To use any of these points as limiters or identifiers one should set that point as reference point by pressing [F1] and [F2]. The above moves are independent of current cursor position. The positioning of the cursor may depend on the current cursor position as in the following commands: +----u---------+ ROW COLUMN | | [u] up 1 n l X r [d] down 20 n | | [l] left n 1 | | [r] right n 80 +----d---------+ This system works essentially with two points on the screen which are used as identifiers or flags. The coordinate values of the points are displayed at the panel. The reference point is used as an origin, a starting point or a corner of a rectangle or a size limiter, as for a line. Use of the current point is identical to the reference point and also as the identifier of the current action. Ref. This is how reference and R-------+ current points define | | the frame of a rectangle. | | Though the rectangle has +-------C four corner points we can Cur. define the rectangle with only two. 5-1 The package also provides functions for manipulation of the positions of the Current and Reference points in various ways. These functions may be used alone, but in combination with others are extremely useful in design creation. The following functions are available: [a] - Alternative points. The Current and Reference points assume the values and positions of alternative points of the rectangle they form. Ref. Cur. R--------+ +--------C | | ---> | | | | | | +--------C R--------+ Cur. Ref. [f] - Flip the points. The reference and current points are moved in clockwise direction to succeeding corners of the rectangle defined by the points. NB: In cases where the rectangle sides are too long to flip and stay visible on the screen, the function will not be performed. Ref. +----R Ref. R--------+ | | | | ---> | | | | | | +--------C | | Cur. | | | | Cur. C----+ [g] - Grow-up function. The vertical gap between the points is incremented by double step value, and the points are correspondingly moved in opposite directions. Ref. R--------+ R--------+ | | | | ---> | | +--------C | | Cur. +--------C 5-2 [j] - Symmetrical (J)ump. The Current point is mirrored symmetricaly to the other side of the Reference point. The coordinates ot the new Current Point are defined by the values of differences between the points in terms of directional panel settings as (H)orizontal, (V)ertical, or (S)ideways. Old New C ---|--> C Horizontal | --------R -------- | New C Vertical | ^ --------R -- | | | | C Old Old C------+ Sideways | | +------R------+ | | +------C New [m] - (M)iddle point. The middle point between Reference and Current point becomes new Current point. R-----------+ R-----------+ | | ---> | | | x | | C | | | | | | | | | +-----------C +-----------+ [n] - Narrow horizontal gap. The horizontal gap between the points is decreased by the double step value, and points are correspondingly moved closer. This is the opposite of [w] function. R-----------+ R---------+ | --> n <-- | ---> | -> n <- | +-----------C +---------C 5-3 [q] - S(q)uash-down. The vertical gap between points is decreased by double step value and the points are correspondingly moved closer. This is the opposite of [g] function. R-----------+ | | R-----------+ | | ---> | | | | | | | | +-----------C +-----------C [s] - Swap/Interchange the points. The Currect and Reference points interchange in value and position on the screen. R-----------+ C-----------+ | | | | | | ---> | | | | | | | | | | +-----------C +-----------R [w] - Widen-up. The horizontal gap between the points is increased by double step value, and points are correspondingly moved apart. This is the opposite of [n] function. R---------+ R-----------+ | <- w -> | ---> | <-- w --> | +---------C +-----------C [Z] - Zap. The Current Point takes the same position and values as the Reference Point. Ref.& Cur. R-----------+ R&C----------+ | | | | | | ---> | | | | | | +-----------C +-----------+ 5-4 =========================== ========================= APPENDIX ======================== =========================== =======================================[ COMMANDS and FUNCTIONS ] Esc Escape / End / Stop function F1 Select Single/Multi step F2 Select Multi step value (2-10) F3 Select a SYMBOL F4 Select a SYMBOL GROUP F5 Set D-DRAW Mode F6 Select Draw Symbol or blank F7 Reverse current direction F8 Advance direction clockwise F9 Move for one step F10 Select MOVE+D or DRAW Mode Alt F1 Delete and Display screen Design Alt F2 Clear the whole screen area Alt F3 Recall / Load an old saved design Alt F4 SAVE a newly created design Alt F5 Reverse color grounds Alt F6 Set / Reset the BLINK feature Alt F8 Select color - Border Alt F9 Select color - Foreground Alt F10 Select color - Background Ctrl F1 Help / Info Ctrl F3 Select DESIGN Mode Ctrl F5 Select TEXT Mode Shft F1 Set Reference Point - Row Value Shft F2 Set Reference Point - Column Value Shft F3 Reverse Ref. and Curr. Points Shft F4 Draw a Triangle Shft F5 Draw a Horizontal/Row Line Shft F6 Draw a Vertical/Column Line Shft F7 Draw a Rectangle / Frame Shft F8 Fill-in a rectangle / Frame Shft F9 Cut; part of "Cut and Paste" Shft F10 Paste; part of "Cut and Paste" A-1 =======================[ Commands and Functions CROSS-REFERENCE ] F7 Advance cursor direction clockwise Alt F2 Clear the whole screen Shft F9 Cut and save for "Paste" Alt F1 Delete and Display screen Design Shft F5 Draw a Horizontal/Row Line Shft F7 Draw a Rectangle / Frame Shft F4 Draw a Triangle Shft F6 Draw a Vertical/Column Line Esc End / Escape / Stop a procedure Shft F8 Fill-in Rectangle / Frame F8 Flip cursor/draw Direction Ctrl F1 Help Key for Help Information Alt F3 LOAD / Recall a design Alt F1 List and Display Screen Designs F9 Move cursor for a single step Ctrl F10 Paste part of "Cut and Paste" Alt F3 Recall / Load an old saved design Alt F5 Reverse color grounds Shft F3 Reverse/swap Ref. & Cur. points Alt F4 SAVE a newly created design Alt F10 Select color - Background Alt F8 Select color - Border Alt F9 Select color - Foreground F5 Select D-DRAW Mode Ctrl F3 Select DESIGN Procedure F10 Select DRAW or MOVE+D Mode F6 Select Draw Symbol or Blank F2 Select Multi step value (2-10) F1 Select Single/Multi step F3 Select a SYMBOL F4 Select a SYMBOL GROUP Ctrl F5 Select TEXT Procedure Alt F6 Set and reset the BLINK feature Shft F2 Set Reference Point Column Value Shft F1 Set Reference Point Row Value A-2 ========================================[ POSITIONING FUNCTIONS ] [ in Design Mode only ] [a] - Alternate points of rectangle [c] - Center, move to center [d] - Down, move to bottom edge [e] - End, move to bottom right position [f] - Flip clockwise rectangle points [g] - Grow vertical gap between points [h] - Home, move to upper left corner [j] - Jump symmetrical of Curr. over Ref. [l] - Left, move to left edge [m] - Middle, move to middle of Cur. & Ref. [n] - Narrow horizontal gap between points [q] - S(q)uash vertical gap between points [r] - Right, move to right edge [s] - Swap, interchange points [t] - Translate points [u] - Up, move up to edge [w] - Widen horizontal gap between points [z] - Zap, move Current to Reference point ==================================[ POSITIONING CROSS-REFERENCE ] [ in Design Mode only ] [a] - Alternate points of the rectangle [n] - Decrease Horizontal gap - narrow [q] - Decrease Vertical gap - squash [f] - Flip/Interchange rectangle points [w] - Increase Horizontal gap - widen up [g] - Increase Vertical gap - grow [s] - Interchange/swap Cur. & Ref. points [j] - Jump (symmetrical) of Cur. over Ref. [m] - Move Current to middle of two points [z] - Move Current to Reference point [d] - Move cursor DOWN to edge [l] - Move cursor LEFT to edge [r] - Move cursor RIGHT to edge [u] - Move cursor UP to edge [j] - Move (symmetrical) of Cur. over Ref. [c] - Move to CENTER [e] - Move to END [h] - Move to HOME [s] - Swap/interchange Cur. & Ref. points [t] - Translate both points [w] - Widen up horizontal gap A-3 =================================================[ DESIGN STEPS ] Once the system is started you have a free hand to choose available functions in any order. For those who may need some guidance there is a suggested list only because it may greatly vary from one application to another. - Select DESIGN or TEXT mode - Clear the screen - Move cursor to desired position - Set Reference Point if needed - Set Current Point - Select display features Colors Blink on/off - Select Symbol Group Draw Symbol - Use functions and commands - Save design temporarily - Reselect TEXT and DESIGN modes - Use "Cut and Paste" as needed - Re-evaluate design - Save again before you do changes - Repeat any of the above functions - Save also before you : List Designs Index and Load a previously made design - Use "Cut and Paste" when possible to cut corners in DESIGN and TEXT mode. - Before you complete a design, experiment with colors and other features for the best visual effects. B-1 ============================================[ TIPS & TECHNIQUES ] - If there is a problem and you don't know what to do, press [Esc] one or more times and repeat previously intended procedure. - Don't keep fingers on the keys longer then necessary because a bell will sound. Bell sounds also for non valid use of the keys or wrong function parameters. - When more then one key is used, press first any of these special keys [Alt] [Ctrl] and [Shift] before other keys. - To find where the Reference point is on the screen press [Shift]+[F3] keys twice. Reference and current points are interchanged first and then reposition to original positions. =============================================[ PROBLEM with ... ] Bell and sounds are activated to attract attention for one or more reasons: - Cursor has reached the boundary edge. - An invalid key has been pressed. Check whether the "Num Lock" key has been unintentionally pressed. - When it is imposible to do a function. Eg. To draw a frame at a single line. Cursor disappearance. Cursor not visible on the screen. - Make sure that one of modes have been selected eg. DESIGN, TEXT, ... - Foreground / Background color combination can "hide" the cursor. Locate Current cursor position on the panel readout and reposition cursor until it comes to a visible part of the screen. Cut and Paste function not working. - Make sure that cut function has been executed first. - The Reference point must be positioned in the top left corner of the area and the current point in the opposite corner (bottom right corner) in an area equal or greater than the original area. C-1 ===================================[ PRESETATION / SHOW PROGRAM ] The integral part of the MAGIC KEY/PAD package is the design presentation program. It is used to present designs in a slide show or a product demo presentation, or to flip through the designs much like the pages of a book. This is a flexible multi function presentation tool with either manual or automatic control giving the user complete control over presentation of the designs. The designs may be shown automatically and interrupted at any time and set again to run under manual or automatic control again and again. The designs are presented in sequential order but you can go back and forth manually through the sequence. Also, you may search the index for the design name or number and individually show a selected design. If you have more than one diskette with designs to show, select the option and insert the next diskette into the data drive and continue with the presentation. It is up to you to organize the material by category or subject area as you wish. D-1 ===============================[ PRINT DESIGNED SCREEN DISPLAYS ] If you are using a dot matrix printer you may be able to print the designed screens by pressing [Shift]+[PrtSc] keys. Printing of the marked keys of the keyboard is straight forward with most of the printers. If are you using symbols from the full range of ASCII characters then you may have a problem because most of printers have their own character sets or subsets. So in most cases, you may need to load a special program into your computer before you can start using the MAGIC KEY/PAD and print the screen designs. This special program must be suitable for your make of printer to print almost the full range of 256 characters of ASCII codes in the TEXT mode, not the computer graphics mode. Some commercial as well as public domain software packages are available to print display screens on the printer but invesigate them first, or test them, before you assume that they work. E-1 =====================================[ RE-CREATE THE INDEX FILE ] A list of all designs on diskette are kept in a file on the diskette named "PADFILES.DAT". You can use the system utility "COPY" function to copy designs from one or more diskettes and create a new subject diskette. You must re-create the index file "PADFILES.DAT" before you can use the new diskette with the package. To execute the required procedure type "INDEX" following the DOS prompt, for example: A>INDEX The procedure also has the option to sort the design names. A list of the design names is displayed and it can be also listed on your printer by selecting the print option. If for any reason, the "PADFILES.DAT" file is missing or destroyed, the same procedure should be used to create a new file. F-1 Magic Key/Pad License Registration Form PC MAGIC Inc. 2490 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 1R4 Application Date __________ Using Current Version _____ [] Private License Voluntary donation __________ NAME _______________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ PHONE (___)_________ POSTAL CODE ________ [] Commercial SINGLE user SINGLE machine License Fee $100.00 US or $125.00 Canadian ______ COMPANY ____________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ PHONE (___)_________ POSTAL CODE ________ ATTENTION TO: _____________________ [] Software Distributors must complete one of above and following information : Distribution type and media: Membership: Telephone access: ( ) ___ - ____ --------------------------------------[ Statistical Information ] Computer Make and Type: Operating System: Monitor Type: Monochrome [], Color [] Package intended use/application: Comments: