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- ******** LottoMATIC (tm) ********
- User's Guide
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- Third Edition -- July 1992
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- Copyright 1992 by Custom Technologies
- All Rights Reserved
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- Custom Technologies is a member of the
- Association of Shareware Professionals
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
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- Contents
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- Chapter 1 Introduction 3
- 1.1 About Shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- 1.2 About LottoMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
- 1.2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
- 1.3 Should YOU play the lottery? . . . . . . . . 6
- 1.4 Hitting the Jackpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
- 1.4.1 LottoMATIC Algorithms . . . . . . . . . 7
- 1.4.2 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
- 1.5 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
- 1.6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
- 1.7 Running LottoMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- 1.8 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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- Chapter 2 Things You Need to Know 14
- 2.1 Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
- 2.2 The "Bottom Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
- 2.3 The "Top Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
- 2.4 Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
- 2.5 The Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
- 2.6 Special Keys and Shortcuts . . . . . . . . 16
- 2.7 Data Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
- 2.8 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
- 2.9 Using a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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- Chapter 3 Picking Numbers to Play 19
- 3.1 Computer Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- 3.2 Pick your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- 3.3 "Regular" Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
- 3.4 High Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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- Chapter 4 Winning Numbers 22
- 4.1 Recording Winning Numbers . . . . . . . . . 22
- 4.2 Scanning for Matches . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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- Chapter 5 The Database 24
- 5.1 "Your Picks" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
- 5.2 "Winning Numbers" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
- 5.3 "Your Wins" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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- 5.4 "Regular Numbers" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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- Chapter 6 Reports 26
- 6.1 "Print To" Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
- 6.1.1 To the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
- 6.1.2 To the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
- 6.2 The "Print Plays" Report . . . . . . . . . 27
- 6.3 The "Winning Plays" Report . . . . . . . . 28
- 6.4 The "Win Analysis" Report . . . . . . . . . 28
- 6.5 The "Drawing Analysis" Report . . . . . . . 28
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- Chapter 7 Setup and Options 29
- 7.1 Game Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
- 7.2 "Quick Pick" Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . 30
- 7.3 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
- 7.4 The Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
- 7.5 Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
- 7.6 Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
- 7.7 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
- 7.8 Printer Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
- 7.9 Report Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
- 7.10 Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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- Appendix A How to Order Lottery Databases 37
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- Appendix B How and Where to get Help 40
- B.1 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
- B.2 Association of Shareware Professionals
- Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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- Index 42
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- Tables
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- Table 2.1: Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
- Table 2.2: Editing Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
- Table 7.1: Color Toggle Keys . . . . . . . . . . . .32
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- Warranty and License Agreement
-
- LottoMATIC (tm) is a trademark of Custom Technologies.
-
-
- Warranty
-
- LottoMATIC is provided AS IS without any warranty, expressed or
- implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular
- purpose. CUSTOM TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL
- WARRANTIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL CUSTOM TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR
- ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING BUT
- NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER
- DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.
-
-
- License
-
- The LottoMATIC software is the property of Custom Technologies.
- You are granted a license to use this software for a limited time
- for the specific purpose of evaluation before purchase. If you
- use LottoMATIC on a continuous basis, please register your copy
- to obtain a permanent license.
-
- You are free to make as many copies as you wish and may
- distribute LottoMATIC freely (in its original form, including
- disk-based documentation). Recipients of copies you make are
- granted a limited license to use LottoMATIC on a trial
- and evaluation basis. If the recipient wishes to use LottoMATIC
- on a continuous basis, he should register his copy.
-
- You may not sell or ask any consideration for this product. SIGs
- and BBSs may ask a nominal fee to cover their copying
- and distribution costs. OEMs wishing to bundle LottoMATIC
- with other products should contact Custom Technologies for
- details.
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- Chapter 1
-
- Introduction
-
-
- 1.1 About Shareware
-
-
- LottoMATIC, like many other fine "shareware" products, has been
- released by its authors to the public for evaluation. We allow
- and encourage free copying and distribution of the program (in
- its unaltered original form). We are committed to supporting and
- improving LottoMATIC, as well as developing additional products.
-
- If you find LottoMATIC useful, you should register your copy.
- The shareware concept is meant to provide a full working copy to
- the user for evaluation, and NOT to give away the author's hard
- work. If you choose not to register, then erase or pass your
- copy on to someone else. You can register by sending $25.00.
-
- When you register, you will be placed on our mailing list and
- will receive a new disk with the latest version of the program
- (including any updated lottery histories we've compiled). You'll
- also get one year of technical support (by phone, fax, mail, or
- CompuServe), low cost upgrades, and discounts on future products.
-
- We accept checks, money orders, MasterCard, and VISA (no CODs,
- please). Make checks payable to Custom Technologies. All
- payments must be in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. or Canadian banks.
- Florida residents please add sales tax. Send your registration
- and all other correspondence to:
-
- Custom Technologies
- PO Box 10551
- Panama City, FL 32404-1551
- (904) 871-5479
-
- You may also order our products (MC/VISA) by calling TOLL FREE:
-
- 1-800-547-6478 (Orders Only)
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 3
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- If you are outside the United States or Canada and can't call
- toll free, you may reach our order line at:
-
- (904) 871-5479 (Orders Only)
-
- You may also FAX your order to (we have a phone/fax switch on
- this line):
-
- (904) 871-5479 (9600 bps, Group 3)
-
- If you want to make a quantity or dealer purchase, or if you need
- support, call:
-
- (904) 871-5479
-
- Thank you for your support!
-
- *** NOTE: One problem with shareware is that we can't completely
- control distribution of older files. Consequently, our address
- and/or phone numbers are subject to change over time and the ones
- listed above may not be correct.
-
- Although not planned at the moment, we may relocate our business
- as we continue to grow. Our "800" order line should remain in
- effect wherever we set up business. If you attempt to reach one
- of our commercial lines and find them no longer in service, call
- our 800 line for current phone numbers. If you can't call
- tollfree, then write to us (we'll keep our PO box open and
- arrange forwarding of the mail).
-
-
- 1.2 About LottoMATIC
-
-
- Thank you for evaluating LottoMATIC... A fast, friendly, and fun
- way to play and track the lottery!
-
- LottoMATIC employs three distinct algorithms to help you select
- your lottery numbers, or you can pick them yourself! You can
- even keep a special database of regular numbers you like to play,
- and use them over and over again! Once selected, you can store
- them in a special database for later tracking.
-
- You can also keep track of the actual winning numbers, drawing by
- drawing. LottoMATIC uses these numbers to track patterns and
- frequency... use them yourself for your own strategies!
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 4
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- If you're a serious lottery player, a high-roller by Las Vegas
- terms, LottoMATIC lets you quickly pick and store up to 100 plays
- at a time.
-
- After the drawing, LottoMATIC will search through your plays for
- matches (and wins)! You can later enter your prize amounts for
- additional tracking.
-
- LottoMATIC has various and useful reports, including the printing
- of your selected numbers (to transcribe to play cards).
-
- The best feature? EASE OF USE. LottoMATIC sports pull-down
- menus, pop-up windows, and context-sensitive help. You'll also
- find LOTS of features you can customize to your own tastes (such
- as colors, windows, and sound effects).
-
- 1.2.1 Features
-
- o Three separate, user selectable "quick pick" algorithms
-
- o "Lucky Number" entry window
-
- o Picks 1 to 100 plays at a time, or enter you own numbers
-
- o Store up to 100 "regular numbers" (to play over and over
- again)
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- o Store up to 30,000 plays in your personal database
-
- o Tracks actual winning numbers
-
- o Date fields automatically advance to the next drawing date
-
- o Fully customizable -- configure for virtually any State or
- National lottery
-
- o "Lottery Histories" available for all major lotteries
-
- o Reports can go to the printer or the screen
-
- o Pop-up context-sensitive help
-
- o Pull-down and Pop-up menus throughout
-
- o Pop-up Calculator with rolling tape
-
- o One year of technical support (by mail, phone, fax, or
- on-line with CompuServe!)
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 5
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- o Much, much, more!
-
-
- 1.3 Should YOU play the lottery?
-
-
- This is a difficult question, and one everyone must answer for
- themselves. Here are some things to consider, however...
-
- Your chances for winning are extremely low... in fact, you have a
- better chance of being struck by lightning. Yes, this is true.
- BUT, you CAN increase your chances of being hit by lightning by
- standing in a thunderstorm with a metal rod. Similarly, you must
- PLAY the lottery to have any chance of winning. And for a very
- low investment (say $1 a week), the rewards can be phenomenal!
-
- Your money (after costs and prizes are paid) usually goes into
- your state's budget (in Florida, for example, the proceeds go to
- education... in Colorado, to parks and recreation). Your
- contributions, then, amount to "voluntary taxation". If you
- object strongly to paying any type of tax... be aware that you
- can choose not to participate in this one.
-
- You are "gambling" when you play the lottery, there's no way to
- deny or rationalize that fact away. If your personal convictions
- are against gambling in any form... again be aware that nobody's
- forcing you to participate.
-
- Most people get some entertainment value out of playing the
- lottery. This is especially true if you use a program like
- LottoMATIC to help track your plays and winning numbers. You may
- want to base your quantity of play (in numbers of tickets per
- week) to the value you place on the entertainment you get from
- playing.
-
- Remember that your chances of winning don't change substantially
- from week to week, whether the jackpot is $1 million or $50
- million. A single ticket has the same chance of winning either
- prize (BUT the chances of having to "share" the jackpot do
- increase). It may be useful to think of your chances in terms of
- possible dollars won versus dollars invested (and decide if
- there's some "minimum jackpot" before you'll buy a ticket).
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 6
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- 1.4 Hitting the Jackpot
-
-
- We must be honest about this... your chances for matching all
- numbers in a major lotto game are very, very low. It's because
- the chances are low that makes the payoff so high!
-
- It may be possible, however, to narrow the odds (at least
- slightly). Given the potential rewards, even a slight advantage
- is worth seizing. LottoMATIC incorporates three algorithms to
- help you select numbers to play. Keep in mind, however, that
- these algorithms incorporate unproven theories and may not
- increase your chances at all. Read through the following
- discussions and decide for yourself which one is best for you...
-
- 1.4.1 LottoMATIC Algorithms
-
- 1.4.1.1 Most Picked Statistical
-
- The organizations that run lotteries will tell you that numbers
- are picked completely at random. If this is true, then no
- "guessing algorithm" could in any way increase (or for that
- matter decrease) your chances of winning.
-
- The real fact of the matter, however, is that it's impossible to
- create a truly random process with real world, physical
- materials. Most lottery machines consist of multiple "ping-pong"
- balls with painted numbers that bounce around in an air-blown
- chamber. Eventually, one of them finds its way up a low pressure
- tube to a trap at the top, where the number is displayed.
-
- Every physical device will, over time, demonstrate some
- discernible "bias". For instance, if you were to take a coin out
- of your pocket and "flip it" 1000 times, you'll have a very sore
- thumb. BUT... if you record the results of each flip, you'll
- find that you'll hit either "heads" or "tails" slightly more than
- the other. If you increase the number of flips, say to 10,000,
- the bias will become more pronounced (and predictable). If you
- started betting on the results, you could eventually amass a
- rather large fortune.
-
- The same is true with the lottery machines. The key, as with the
- coin example, is to build a sufficiently large statistical
- "sample" from which to work. Remember also that the bias will
- most likely be very slight. LottoMATIC tracks the frequency of
- occurrence of every number, and very slightly increases the
- probability of that number occurring in the "quick pick" windows
- every time that particular number comes up.
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 7
-
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-
-
-
-
- We recommend this method. There is some evidence that suggests
- these biases do indeed exist in substantial enough ways to
- significantly affect the chances of matching more numbers. The
- following are excerpts from the Panama City News Herald, November
- 26, 1991, page 4A:
-
- "Lotto winner played prior winning numbers"
-
- o The numbers -- 3-15-19-28-45-47 -- were chosen by...James
- "Big Jim" Wilson.
-
- o Wilson's lucky ticket won him 1.66 million, to be paid out
- in annual installments of $87,222.22 for the next 20
- years.
-
- o "I still can't believe it's real," said Wilson, who
- retired at the end of September after 37 years with
- Railroad Publications Services. "I mean, it was fun
- playing and I always figured maybe I'd luck up and get 5
- out of 6, but I never realistically figured I'd hit the
- grand prize. That was quite a surprise."
-
- o Even more of a surprise was that he held two tickets that
- got five out of six winning numbers and two more that got
- four out of six.
-
- o The numbers he chose for this ticket came from his
- charting of numbers that most frequently popped up as
- winners during the first half of this year, Wilson said.
-
- We'll send along an actual photocopy copy of this article with
- each registered copy of LottoMATIC.
-
- 1.4.1.2 Least Picked Statistical
-
- Contrary to the above theory is the idea that every number should
- occur with basically the same frequency as every other number.
- Therefore, if a particular number has been conspicuously absent
- from the winning numbers, it's "overdue", and is more likely to
- occur than other numbers (which have more frequently appeared).
- For example, say the number "2" hasn't been drawn in nine
- weeks... this theory implies it is very likely to appear (to keep
- the statistical averages even).
-
- Most mathematicians are horrified by this type of logic, and will
- tell you that every drawing is "statistically independent" of the
- previous ones. Suppose you're playing the Florida lotto game,
- which draws six balls out of forty-nine. These mathematicians
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 8
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- will tell you that the number "2" has six chances out of forty-
- nine to appear in a particular drawing... no more and no less.
- (This claim requires a completely random process, however, which
- as discussed above is not practically possible). Interestingly
- enough, these same mathematicians have to admit that while you
- can't increase your chances with this theory, you can't diminish
- your chances either.
-
- LottoMATIC very slightly increases the chance a ball will be
- picked by the computer every time it doesn't appear (when you use
- this algorithm). The change in probability is VERY slight,
- however.
-
- 1.4.1.3 Random
-
- If you choose the "random" algorithm, LottoMATIC will assign
- equal probability to each number while generating picks. This is
- essentially equivalent to buying a "quick pick" ticket at your
- local lottery retailer.
-
- 1.4.2 Lucky Number
-
- Some people believe that nothing in the universe is random, and a
- pattern can be identified for every phenomenon. This implies
- some "external power" controls all events and has a specific
- reason for generating a particular pattern. Actually, this
- theory is probably more valid than most people care to admit.
- While it's true no one can "prove" it, you can't disprove it
- either!
-
- LottoMATIC includes a "Lucky Number" entry window. If you have
- any reason to assume this external power, in whatever form you
- envision, may favor you specifically... enter some distinguishing
- number in this window. LottoMATIC really does include this
- number while generating a "seed" for its number generator (no
- matter which algorithm you choose).
-
- What number should you use? Don't ask me! We can't (and won't)
- make any claims that any special number can help you in the
- least. The number you choose must be between you and your God
- (or the stars, cards, crystal ball, or perhaps even the "force").
-
-
- 1.5 System Requirements
-
-
- LottoMATIC requires an IBM PC, PS2, or compatible computer
- running MSDOS 3.0 or above. You must have at least 512K bytes of
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 9
-
-
-
-
-
-
- memory. LottoMATIC easily fits on a single floppy disk and
- supports CGA, EGA, VGA, Hercules, and text-only displays.
-
- LottoMATIC will support virtually any printer without any special
- setup. You can pass control codes to the printer for special
- configurations. LottoMATIC does not support PostScript printers
- at this time.
-
- LottoMATIC recognizes the MicroSoft, Logitech, Mouse Systems, or
- any compatible mouse as an input device. You must load your
- "mouse driver" before running LottoMATIC. See the documentation
- that came with your mouse for more information.
-
-
- 1.6 Installation
-
-
- Installing LottoMATIC is easy... just copy the following files to
- a diskette (or a subdirectory on your hard drive):
-
- LOTTO.EXE
- LOTTO.HLP
-
-
- You'll also want to copy all files that start with "CONFIG" and
- "DRAWS" (these are the configuration and history databases for
- different state lotteries. If your state didn't come with
- LottoMATIC, don't panic! You can create them yourself (when you
- run LottoMATIC).
-
- So, you should copy files such as:
-
- CONFIG.FL
- DRAWS.FL
-
-
- to your diskette or subdirectory. These files (ending with "FL")
- are the configuration and history files for the Florida state
- lotto game.
-
- + NOTE: If you're running LottoMATIC on a 360K diskette, you
- should only copy the "CONFIG" and "DRAWS" file for your state (to
- save room for your database of "picks").
-
-
-
-
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-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 10
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 1.7 Running LottoMATIC
-
-
- To run LottoMATIC, type
-
- LOTTO
-
- You'll then see a menu with four choices:
-
- Open a Lottery File
- Create a New Lottery File
- Delete a Lottery File
- Transfer a Lottery File from a Floppy Disk
-
- Most of the time, you'll select the first choice (Open a Lottery
- File). When you're first starting out, however, you may want to
- select "Create a New Lottery File" so you can set LottoMATIC up
- to play your state's lottery.
-
- When you select "Create a New Lottery File", LottoMATIC opens up
- the "Game Setup" window. From here, you enter information about
- your state's lottery. You must enter the following information
- about the lottery:
-
- Game Name This line simply tells LottoMATIC what name to
- display on the main screen. It's useful to remind
- you what game you're playing (if you track
- multiple lotteries). YOU CAN'T LEAVE THIS FIELD
- BLANK!
-
- Draws per Game Most lotto games pick 6 balls. Some, however,
- like Florida's Cash 3 or Play 4 pick fewer balls.
-
- Lowest Number This is almost always 1, but some games do start
- at zero.
-
- Highest Number On this line, you tell LottoMATIC what the highest
- guess is. Florida picks 1 to 49, Colorado picks 1
- to 42, etc.
-
- Minimum Matches to Win
- This number tells LottoMATIC how many numbers must
- "match" for a play to win. In most lotto games,
- you must match at least three numbers.
-
- Duplicates Allowed
- Most lotto games have one set of balls (numbered
- from 1 to the highest number), and you can't get
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 11
-
-
-
-
-
-
- duplicates in one drawing. Some games, like
- Florida's Cash 3, pick from separate sets of balls
- (and duplicates can occur).
-
- Drawing Days This line tells LottoMATIC what day the drawings
- are held (usually Saturday). Some games are
- played two or more times a week and require a
- separate "day" line for each.
-
- You can set a "drawing day" by moving the cursor
- to that day and pressing the "space bar".
- Similarly, pressing the "space bar" in a day
- that's already marked will "unmark" it.
-
- Price per Play Usually $1.00. This number tells LottoMATIC how
- much each ticket costs.
-
- Press the [F10] key to save your setup. The game you enter will
- then appear on the menu when you select "Open a Lottery File to
- Play".
-
- + NOTE: When you create a lottery file in LottoMATIC, the
- "Winning Numbers" database will be empty. You can enter the
- numbers from your lottery manually (you should be able to get the
- numbers by calling your state's Lottery Commission). Or, you can
- order complete, up-to-date databases directly from Custom
- Technologies. See Appendix A for more information.
-
-
- 1.8 Getting Started
-
-
- Basically, you'll follow a specific routine as you use LottoMATIC
- week to week. Here they are (in a nutshell):
-
- Open your Lottery File
- From the opening menu, you'll select "Open a
- Lottery File to Play". Then pick the one you want
- from the menu.
-
- Pick Your Numbers
- The very next thing you'll do is pick your
- numbers. There are several ways to this (both
- manual and automatic). Probably, you'll use
- "Computer Pick" under the "Numbers" menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 12
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Play Your Numbers
- Next, you can print your plays out (from the
- "Reports" menu). Take your list to your lottery
- retailer and purchase your tickets.
-
- Record the Winning Numbers
- Then wait for the drawing. When the numbers are
- announced, enter them under the "Numbers" menu.
- At this time LottoMATIC will automatically scan
- for matches and tell you if you've won.
-
- Enter Your Prizes
- If you win, you can enter your prize amounts under
- the Database menu.
-
- Repeat the above sequence as you continue to play. LottoMATIC
- will automatically track your plays, prizes, and the actual
- winning numbers!
-
- You'll find that LottoMATIC has many more features. For
- instance, you can print reports at any time, or you can edit
- previous entries in any of the databases. You can also customize
- LottoMATIC and select the "picking" algorithm you want LottoMATIC
- to use. And LottoMATIC has many special features and "shortcuts"
- to make playing even more enjoyable!
-
- If you need help at any time while running LottoMATIC, simply
- press [F1] for instant assistance.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 2
-
- Things You Need to Know
-
-
- 2.1 Menus
-
-
- LottoMATIC uses the popular "pull-down" menu system as its
- primary user interface. After your start LottoMATIC, you'll see
- a row of "choices" to choose from. You may select any of the
- choices in one of two ways: first, by moving the highlighted bar
- to the item of your choice (using the left or right arrow keys or
- the mouse) and then pressing "return" (which we will also refer
- to as [ENTER]), or, by pressing the starting letter of your
- choice. Either method will instantly produce a secondary menu
- (with a bar that moves up and down instead of left to right).
- Select individual functions in the same manner.
-
- Many other menus in LottoMATIC will "pop-up" as you need them.
- They work the same as the pull-down menus.
-
- You can exit any menu without action by pressing the [ESC] key.
-
-
- 2.2 The "Bottom Line"
-
-
- As you run LottoMATIC, the bottom line of the screen summarizes
- many of the functions available to you. It is always present,
- and should speed your use of the program as you become familiar
- with its many capabilities. Most of LottoMATIC's functions are
- activated by the PC's function keys. The bottom line identifies
- the operation of these keys (and some others).
-
- You should be aware, however, that LottoMATIC has a lot of
- capability, and there simply is not enough room to list all
- available functions on the bottom line. We've listed those we
- think are most useful. Refer to the on-line help and this User's
- Guide for others!
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 14
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 2.3 The "Top Line"
-
-
- The right side of the top line of the screen displays the status
- of your keyboard (CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, SCROLL LOCK). It also
- indicates whether you're in insert or overwrite mode (for
- text entry).
-
- The left side of the top line is reserved for working messages.
- Don't be alarmed if they flash by too fast to read... that
- simply means your computer is fast!
-
-
- 2.4 Online Help
-
-
- LottoMATIC has built in on-line, context-sensitive help. Just
- press [F1] at any time while running LottoMATIC for instant help.
- Some help screens have multiple pages, so use [PgDn], [PgUp], the
- arrow keys, or the mouse to move through the message.
-
- The help screens are contained in the file "LOTTO.HLP" and this
- file must be present in the default directory (the disk and
- directory with the LottoMATIC program files) at run-time.
-
-
- 2.5 The Calculator
-
-
- LottoMATIC includes a pop-up financial calculator. Pressing
- [alt-C] anytime will pop the calculator up. The calculator has a
- rolling tape to help you keep track of your math, and you can
- even direct the output to the printer!
-
- You can scroll through the tape with the up and down arrow keys,
- [PgUp], and [PgDn]. The tape holds the last 100 lines entered.
-
- If you want to use the printer, make sure it is ready before you
- press [P]. The calculator will then echo all output to the
- printer.
-
- Also, LottoMATIC automatically asserts the "NUM LOCK" when the
- calculator is invoked so you may use the numeric keypad on
- the IBM PC (or compatibles).
-
- You can "paste" your calculated results into any data field in
- LottoMATIC by pressing [F2]. (Make sure the cursor is in the
- field you want to paste to BEFORE you activate the calculator).
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 15
-
-
-
-
-
-
- You can only paste results after you "total" (i.e. when the
- "ENTER" block in the calculator in not reverse video).
-
- Press [ESC] to exit the calculator and return to LottoMATIC.
-
-
- 2.6 Special Keys and Shortcuts
-
-
- 2.6.0.1 Shortcuts
-
- In an effort to make LottoMATIC as "effortless" to use as
- possible, we have incorporated a number of handy "shortcuts" into
- LottoMATIC' data entry fields.
- For instance, any time you're entering dates, you may press the
- "+" key to increment the date by one day. Likewise, the "-" key
- will decrement the date by one day. Pressing "=" forces the date
- to be the default (DOS) date.
-
- Also, while you're entering a "drawing date" (the day of a
- particular lottery drawing), you can press [PgDn] to
- automatically advance to the next valid day! Likewise, pressing
- [PgUp] finds the previous valid day.
-
- LottoMATIC also has "local menus" that give you choices for
- particular fields. The [alt-F10] key is LottoMATIC' local menu
- key. When you're in such a field, press [alt-F10] to pop the
- menu up. (The [alt-F10] has no effect on "non-local menu"
- fields). Also, the middle button of a three button mouse will
- pop-up local menus. "Yes/No" fields have local menus, as does
- the "color setup" window.
-
- 2.6.0.2 Special Keys
-
- Here is a list of keys you should be familiar with while using
- LottoMATIC:
-
- Key Function
-
- [F1] On-line help
- [alt-C] Pops up the calculator
- [alt-F10] Local menu key
- [alt-M] Memory status
- [INS] Toggle insert/overwrite
-
- Table 2.1: Special Keys
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 16
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 2.7 Data Entry
-
-
- LottoMATIC's data entry fields are among the best in the
- business. As you enter data, you'll find each field "expects" a
- certain type of information and will filter what you type
- appropriately.
-
- Some of the fields have a limited number of valid choices. You
- can still type whatever you want in the field, and LottoMATIC
- will attempt to match it to the valid options. If it doesn't
- match, LottoMATIC will "pop-up" a menu of your choices!
-
- All of the data fields may be edited as you type. The following
- control-key combinations are defined within LottoMATIC:
-
- Control Key Alternate Key Function
-
- Control-D right-arrow move one character right
- Control-S left-arrow move one character left
-
- Control-F move one word right
- Control-A move one word left
-
- Control-QD END move to end of text
- Control-QS HOME move to start of field
-
- Control-E up-arrow move up one field
- Control-X down-arrow move down one field
-
- Control-G DEL delete character at cursor
- Control-T delete word right
- Control-QY delete field right
- Control-Y delete entire field
-
- Control-H BACKSPACE delete character left
-
- Control-V INS toggle INSERT/OVERWRITE
-
- Table 2.2: Editing Keys
-
-
-
- 2.8 Date Formats
-
-
- Over the years, we've discovered that different people and
- different lands enter and display "dates" in many different
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 17
-
-
-
-
-
-
- formats. Fortunately, LottoMATIC lets you pick from a wide
- variety of formats to use (under the Setup menu).
-
- LottoMATIC also allows "free format" date entry in all of its
- date fields. This means you can enter dates in almost any format
- you want and LottoMATIC will figure out what you mean. For
- instance, 2/12/90, 12 Mar 89, and Sept 10, 1987 are all legal
- formats to enter dates regardless of how you want the date
- displayed. You need only ensure you use some non-alphanumeric
- delimiter (such as a space or a "/") between the month, day, and
- year. You can even leave all or part of the date out and
- LottoMATIC will use the defaults (from the DOS date).
-
-
- 2.9 Using a Mouse
-
-
- If you have a Microsoft, Logitech, Mouse Systems, or compatible
- mouse, LottoMATIC will recognize it as an input device. You must
- load your mouse driver BEFORE running LottoMATIC (see the
- documentation that accompanies your mouse).
-
- In data entry fields, the mouse will "drag" the cursor around as
- you move it. The mouse moves the highlighted bar in menus and in
- the "virtual paper" mode.
-
- The left button acts like the [ENTER] key and the right button
- emulates the [ESC] key. If you have a three button mouse, the
- middle button will activate local menus (just like [alt-F10]).
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 18
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 3
-
- Picking Numbers to Play
-
-
- In this chapter, we'll discuss how you pick numbers to play.
- You'll pick your numbers under the "Numbers" menu.
-
-
- 3.1 Computer Pick
-
-
- The first thing you'll see when you select "Computer Pick" from
- the "Numbers" menu is a window asking for the "drawing date" you
- want to play. LottoMATIC automatically finds the "next" drawing
- date (as it assumes this is the one you want to play). You can
- use this date, or enter one of your own.
-
- Also, remember that while you're entering a "drawing date" you
- can press [ PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically advance (forward or
- backward) to the next valid day!
-
- Press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept the date and enter the
- "Intelligent Quick Pick" window. Once you're in this window,
- enter the number of "panels" (or number of tickets) you want to
- play. Then press [F3] to tell the computer to generate your
- numbers. Look over the numbers... if you don't like them then
- press [F3] again (to generate a new set of numbers). If you're
- satisfied, press [F10] to save them in the "Your Picks" database.
- (After you save your picks, LottoMATIC automatically clears the
- screen for your next set of numbers).
-
- Repeat the [F3]/[F10] until you've entered all the plays you want
- to make. Then press [ESC] to return to the "Numbers" menu.
-
-
- 3.2 Pick your Own
-
-
- When you select "Pick Your Own" from the "Numbers" menu,
- LottoMATIC pops up the "drawing date" window. This is the date
- of the drawing you want to play. LottoMATIC automatically finds
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 19
-
-
-
-
-
-
- the "next" drawing date (as it assumes this is the one you want
- to play). You can use this date, or enter one of your own.
-
- Also, remember that while you're entering a "drawing date" you
- can press [ PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically advance (forward or
- backward) to the next valid day!
-
- Once you've selected the date, press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept
- it and enter the "Manual Numbers Pick" window. Once you're in
- this window, enter the number of "panels" (or number of tickets)
- you want to play and press [ ENTER].
-
- You can now enter the numbers for the panels you want to play.
- Move between the fields with [ENTER], [TAB], [shift-TAB], and the
- arrow keys. After you've entered the numbers, press [F10] to
- save them in the "Your Picks" database. Once saved, LottoMATIC
- clears all the panels so you can enter another set of numbers.
- You can repeat this process to enter more than five panels.
-
- + NOTE: LottoMATIC will only let you enter numbers in the panels
- you indicate you want to play. Therefore, if you say you want to
- play 3 panels, LottoMATIC won't let the cursor into the fourth
- and fifth panels.
-
- Press [ESC] to return to the "Numbers" menu.
-
-
- 3.3 "Regular" Numbers
-
-
- Many lottery players have "regular" numbers they like to play
- over and over again. LottoMATIC makes it easy to repeat plays
- (without having to retype each number).
-
- Before you can play your regular numbers, you've got to enter
- them into LottoMATIC. Select "Enter Regular Numbers" from the
- "Numbers" menu to open the "Enter Regular Numbers" window. Enter
- your numbers one play at a time, and press [F10] to save them.
- When you're done, press [ESC] to return to the "Numbers" menu.
- You may define up to 100 regular plays.
-
- To play your regular numbers, select "Play Regular Numbers" from
- the menu. LottoMATIC will pop up the "drawing date" window.
- (This is the date of the drawing you want to play). LottoMATIC
- automatically finds the "next" drawing date (as it assumes this
- is the one you want to play). You can use this date, or enter
- one of your own.
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 20
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Once you've selected the date, press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept
- it and enter the "Play Regular Numbers" window. Here you'll see
- a "menu" of all the regular numbers you've entered. The "arrows"
- at the front and start of the numbers mean that particular play
- is "selected". If the arrows aren't there, the play is not
- "selected". The [SPACE BAR] toggles whether or not a play is
- "selected".
-
- The arrow keys let you move up and down through your menu of
- plays. Use the space bar to select the plays you want.
-
- Press [F10] to save all "selected" plays into the "Your Plays"
- database. When you do this, LottoMATIC will assume you're done
- for now, close the window, and return to the "Numbers" menu.
- Press [ESC] to return to the menu without saving any plays.
-
-
- 3.4 High Roller
-
-
- We call this the "High Roller" window because you can play up to
- 100 tickets at a time. This would definitely put you in the
- "serious lottery player" category!
-
- Select "High Roller" from the "Numbers" menu to enter this
- window.
-
- LottoMATIC first pops up the "drawing date" window so you can
- enter the date of the drawing you want to play. LottoMATIC will
- automatically finds the "next" drawing date for you... you can
- use this date or enter a different one.
- Keep in mind that you can press [PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically
- advance (forward or backward) to the next drawing day!
-
- Once you've selected the date, press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept
- it and enter the "High Roller" window. Once you're in this
- window, you must enter the number of "pick" (or tickets) you want
- to play (between 1 and 100).
-
- Now press [F3] and LottoMATIC will very quickly generate the
- numbers. Once generated, press [F10] to save them to the "Your
- Picks" database. Repeat this process to generate as many picks
- as you desire, and then press [ESC] to return to the menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 21
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 4
-
- Winning Numbers
-
-
- After every drawing, you'll want to record the winning numbers
- (so LottoMATIC can track ball frequency and scan your plays for
- matches).
-
-
- 4.1 Recording Winning Numbers
-
-
- When you select "Enter Winning Numbers" from the "Numbers" menu,
- LottoMATIC opens the "Enter Winning Numbers" window. Here you
- can enter the date of the drawing and the actual winning numbers.
- Once entered, press [F10] to save them to the "Winning Numbers"
- database.
-
- LottoMATIC automatically scans your plays when you save a set of
- winning numbers, so you don't need to run the "Scan for Matches"
- option (discussed below) unless you make changes to one of the
- databases.
-
- [ESC] returns you to the "Numbers" menu.
-
-
- 4.2 Scanning for Matches
-
-
- Select this function from the "Numbers" menu to command
- LottoMATIC to search your plays for winning combinations. In
- this window, use the [PgDn] and/or [PgUp] keys to move back and
- forth through the "winning numbers" in the "winning numbers"
- database. When you've date of the play you want to scan, press
- [ENTER] (or [F10]). LottoMATIC will look for matching
- combinations in the "Your Plays" database.
-
- If LottoMATIC finds any winning combinations, you can review your
- wins (and enter your prizes) in the "Your Wins" database (under
- the "Database" menu).
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 22
-
-
-
-
-
-
- + NOTE: LottoMATIC automatically performs this scan when you
- enter the winning numbers, so you don't have to run this function
- again unless you change one of the databases.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 23
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 5
-
- The Database
-
-
- LottoMATIC maintains three databases... one containing your
- plays, one containing the actual winning numbers, and one
- containing your "regular" numbers (numbers you like to play
- repeatedly). The "Your Wins" database is actually a special case
- of the "Your Picks" database (in that it only displays plays that
- win a prize).
-
- Each databases is displayed in a "scrolling window". You can
- move through the entries with the [PgDn], [PgUp], or arrow keys.
- The [HOME] key takes you to the very first entry, and the [END]
- key to the very last. If you want to edit (or delete) a
- particular entry, move the highlighted bar over it and press
- [ENTER].
-
-
- 5.1 "Your Picks"
-
-
- This database lists all your plays in date order. You can change
- the date or numbers of each play.
-
- To modify an entry, first select it as discussed above. This
- opens the "Edit Pick" window. To save your changes, press [F10].
- To delete the pick entirely, press [F9]. [ESC] will take you
- back to the database window without saving or deleting.
-
-
- 5.2 "Winning Numbers"
-
-
- The "Winning Numbers" database shows all the actual winning
- numbers (in date order). You can change the date or numbers of
- each entry.
-
- To make changes or delete an entry, select it (as discussed
- above) to open the "Edit Winning Numbers" window. To save your
- changes, press [F10]. To delete the entry entirely, press [F9].
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 24
-
-
-
-
-
-
- [ESC] takes you back to the database window without saving or
- deleting.
-
-
- 5.3 "Your Wins"
-
-
- This is a special case of the "Your Picks" database, since it
- only displays your picks that matched enough numbers to win a
- cash prize.
-
- When you select an entry from this database (as discussed above),
- you can enter (or edit) the prize for that play. You can't
- change the date or numbers here, nor may you delete the play.
- (You can do these things in the "Your Plays" database). Press
- [F10] to save your changes (or [ESC] to return to the database
- with making any changes).
-
- We encourage you to faithfully record your winnings (so
- LottoMATIC can generate accurate reports for you).
-
-
- 5.4 "Regular Numbers"
-
-
- This database lists all your "regular numbers". You can change
- the numbers in any play.
-
- To modify an entry, first select it as discussed above. This
- opens the "Edit Regular Numbers" window. To save your changes,
- press [F10]. To delete the pick entirely, press [F9]. [ESC]
- will take you back to the database window without saving or
- deleting.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 25
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 6
-
- Reports
-
-
- LottoMATIC has many reports and many options for each report.
- Most of these options (such as margins, page size, printer
- setups, etc) are common for all and are discussed in the next
- chapter, "Setup and Options".
-
- When you first select any of the options under the "Reports"
- menu, LottoMATIC will pop-up another menu (asking you whether you
- want the report to go to the screen or the printer).
-
-
- 6.1 "Print To" Options
-
-
- LottoMATIC lets you print your reports to the screen (which we
- call "virtual paper"), or your printer.
-
- To select your printing option, move the highlighted bar to your
- choice and press [ENTER].
-
- 6.1.1 To the Screen
-
- One problem with printing reports to the screen is that the
- screen is often too narrow to show the complete report.
- LottoMATIC uses Virtual Paper to display reports on the screen.
-
- When you select printing "to the screen", LottoMATIC formats the
- report exactly as if you were printing to the printer (including
- titles, footers, and margins). LottoMATIC then opens the
- "Virtual Paper" window, and writes the report there.
-
- Virtual Paper displays as much of the report as it can (in the
- window). If each line is longer than you you can see on screen,
- you can scroll the window (with the left/right arrow keys, the
- TAB keys, or the mouse).
-
- You can also scroll the window up and down with the up/down arrow
- keys, [ PgUp], [PgDn], [Home], [End], or the mouse.
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 26
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC presents the "highlighted bar" as a straight edge for
- your use while viewing the report.
-
- Virtual Paper is a marvelous tool for viewing reports prior to
- spending lots of time (and money) printing them to paper. The
- only drawback is memory usage. In order to allow forward and
- backward scrolling, LottoMATIC must store the entire report in
- memory. This can take lots of your precious RAM!
-
- Fortunately, LottoMATIC uses on the fly "run length encoding" of
- white spaces to dramatically reduce the memory requirements for
- most reports. Also, LottoMATIC releases memory that it doesn't
- need (in fact, LottoMATIC is constantly allocating and
- deallocating memory throughout the program operation).
-
- Obviously, the more RAM available to LottoMATIC the less likely
- you'll see LottoMATIC complain. But even with as little as 512K
- bytes available, LottoMATIC should be able to handle all but the
- largest reports in Virtual Paper.
-
- 6.1.2 To the Printer
-
- Select "Printer" from the "Print To" menu to generate a hard copy
- of your report. You can change the printer port (LPT1, LPT2,
- COM1, and COM2) under the "Setup" menu (see Chapter XX, "Setup").
-
- + NOTE: If you tell LottoMATIC to print to a printer that is off,
- off-line, or doesn't even exist, what will happen next depends on
- YOUR COMPUTER and your ROM BIOS. Some computers will return
- execution to LottoMATIC. LottoMATIC then displays an appropriate
- message and stops trying to print. Other computers will simply
- "hang" until you fix the problem (i.e. turn on the printer, etc).
- You may have to "reboot" your system if your computer does this
- (and there is NOTHING that LottoMATIC can do about it!).
-
-
- 6.2 The "Print Plays" Report
-
-
- When you select "Print Plays" from the "Reports" menu, LottoMATIC
- first pops up a window and asks you what "drawing date" you want.
- This report prints the plays for a specific drawing (primarily so
- you can take the printout with you when you purchase your
- tickets).
-
- Next, LottoMATIC presents the "Print To" menu. Select either
- "Screen" or "Printer" and press [ENTER].
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 27
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 6.3 The "Winning Plays" Report
-
-
- This report lists your plays that match enough numbers to win a
- prize. All your wins (regardless of the particular drawing) are
- displayed. When LottoMATIC pops up the "Print To" menu, select
- either "Screen" or "Printer" and press [ENTER].
-
-
- 6.4 The "Win Analysis" Report
-
-
- The "Win Analysis" provides some useful information about your
- play/win ratio (including a financial analysis). This can be
- eye-opening!
-
- After you select this report, LottoMATIC will present the "Print
- To" menu. Make your choice and press [ENTER].
-
-
- 6.5 The "Drawing Analysis" Report
-
-
- In this report, LottoMATIC calculates the statistical occurrence
- of each number for all drawings. You may find this report useful
- in developing your own number picking strategy.
-
- When LottoMATIC presents the "Print To" menu, select either
- "Screen" or "Printer" and press [ENTER].
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 28
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Chapter 7
-
- Setup and Options
-
-
- In this chapter, we'll explore the many setups and options
- available to you for customizing LottoMATIC.
-
- Select "Setup" from the main menu bar to pull-down the "Setup"
- menu.
-
-
- 7.1 Game Setup
-
-
- From this window you can configure LottoMATIC to play and track
- virtually any lottery game, as long as:
-
- o No more than six "balls" are drawn per drawing
-
- o The highest "ball" used is 99
-
- The "Game Setup" window has the following fields:
-
- Game Name This line simply tells LottoMATIC what name to
- display on the main screen. It's useful to remind
- you what game you're playing (if you track
- multiple lotteries).
-
- Draws per Game Most lotto games pick 6 balls. Some, however,
- like Florida's Cash 3 or Play 4 pick fewer balls.
-
- Lowest Number This is almost always 1, but some games do start
- at zero.
-
- Highest Number On this line, you tell LottoMATIC what the highest
- guess is. Florida picks 1 to 49, Colorado picks 1
- to 42, etc.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 29
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Minimum Matches to Win
- This number tells LottoMATIC how many numbers must
- "match" for a play to win. In most lotto games,
- you must match at least three numbers.
-
- Duplicates Allowed
- Most lotto games have one set of balls (numbered
- from 1 to the highest number), and you can't get
- duplicates in one drawing. Some games, like
- Florida's Cash 3, pick from separate sets of balls
- (and duplicates can occur).
-
- Drawing Days This line tells LottoMATIC what day the drawings
- are held (usually Saturday). Some games are
- played two or more times a week and require a
- separate "day" line for each.
-
- You can set a "drawing day" by moving the cursor
- to that day and pressing the "space bar".
- Similarly, pressing the "space bar" in a day
- that's already marked will "unmark" it.
-
- Price per Play Usually $1.00. This number tells LottoMATIC how
- much each ticket costs.
-
- The "Winning Numbers" database will be blank for a new game. If
- you want to load past winning numbers so LottoMATIC can use it's
- algorithms more effectively, you can order the database directly
- from Custom Technologies (see appendix A).
-
-
- 7.2 "Quick Pick" Algorithm
-
-
- Select "Algorithm" from the "Setup" menu to open this window.
- From here, you can select the algorithm you want LottoMATIC to
- use while generating picks for you. You have three choices here:
-
- o Most Picked Statistical
-
- o Least Picked Statistical
-
- o Random (Gaussian Bell)
-
- (See Chapter 1 for a discussion of each algorithm). Select the
- algorithm you want to use and press [F10] to save. [ESC] takes
- you back to the menu.
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 30
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 7.3 Lucky Number
-
-
- Pick "Lucky Number" to open the "Lucky Number" window. Enter a
- number between 0 and 999, then press [F10] to save your choice.
- To return to the "Setup" menu, press [ESC].
-
- + NOTE: See Chapter 1 for a discussion of the "Lucky Number".
-
-
- 7.4 The Screen Saver
-
-
- When you select the "Screen Saver" option from the "Setup" menu,
- the "Screen-Save Setup" window will appear. In this window, you
- can enable or disable the screen saver feature. You can also
- indicate how long that you want LottoMATIC to wait before it will
- blank the screen, and customize the message that LottoMATIC
- displays while the screen saver is active. Remember that the
- screen will only go blank if no keyboard activity is detected for
- the indicated length of time.
-
- + NOTE: Delay times are approximate, and can vary based on CPU
- speed.
-
- You must press [F10] to save your setup to the disk.
-
- After the screen blanks, LottoMATIC will display a slow-scrolling
- message indicating that the screen save feature is active. Press
- any character key to restore the screen to normal operation.
-
-
- 7.5 Colors
-
-
- If you have a color monitor, you can customize the screen colors
- in LottoMATIC. Select "Colors" from the "Setup" menu to enter
- the "Color Setup Window".
-
- Notice that LottoMATIC displays a "sample" window (so you can see
- what your color choices will look like). The cursor will be in
- the "window colors to customize" field. When you first enter the
- "color setup window", the window colors to customize will be the
- "Main Colors". If you want to change, say, the MENU colors,
- press [alt-F10] to pop-up the "window select" menu. Pick "Menu
- Colors" (and the "sample window" will change to reflect the
- current menu colors).
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 31
-
-
-
-
-
-
- You can modify each window's foreground (bright characters),
- midground (dim characters), background color, and "reverse"
- color.
-
- For example, to modify a window's background color, press [F5]
- (and LottoMATIC will "toggle" the color). Keep pressing [F5]
- until you find the color you want.
-
- Here are the color toggle keys:
-
- [F3] Toggle Foreground Color
-
- [F4] Toggle Midground Color
-
- [F5] Toggle Background Color
-
- [F6] Toggle "Reverse" Color
-
- Table 7.1: Color Toggle Keys
-
-
- Once you've setup all the colors (in all the windows that you
- want to), press [F10] to save your choices to disk. [ESC]
- returns you to the "Setup" menu.
-
-
- 7.6 Special Effects
-
-
- LottoMATIC has a lot of "bells and whistles" which are fun to
- watch and pleasing to use. Some people, however, would prefer to
- modify or turn off their operation.
-
- You can modify the way LottoMATIC opens and closes "windows" by
- choosing "Special Effects" from the "Setup" menu. The "Special
- Effects Setup" window will appear.
-
- If you don't want LottoMATIC to give an audible "opening window"
- click, then set the "do you want sound effects" field to "NO".
-
- If you want the windows to "explode" and "implode", then leave
- the "do you want exploding windows" field "YES". Otherwise mark
- it "NO".
-
- You can even set the speed for the exploding and imploding in the
- "speed for exploding windows". Set this field to "zero" for the
- fastest windows. Numbers 1 through 9 will gradually decrease the
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 32
-
-
-
-
-
-
- exploding speed. This field will have no effect if you have
- exploding windows turned off!
-
- Remember to press [F10] if you want to save your setups to disk.
-
-
- 7.7 Date Formats
-
-
- Select "Date Formats" from the "Setup" menu to pop-up the "Date
- Format Setup Menu".
-
- Date Format You can pick from a variety of "date formats".
- LottoMATIC will display all dates in this form.
- This is a "menu field", so you can press [ alt-
- F10] or the middle button on the mouse to pop-up a
- menu of choices.
-
- You can enter free-format no matter which format
- you choose. LottoMATIC will rearrange the date to
- match your format.
-
- Separator Some of the date formats have "separators". For
- instance, 7/05/90 uses a "/" for a separator. You
- can change that separator here.
-
- + NOTE: If you choose the minus sign ("-") as a
- separator, you won't be able to use the minus sign
- to "decrement" the date while you're entering or
- editing.
-
- After you've set the options, press [F10] to make your changes
- permanent. [ESC] returns you to the "Setup" menu.
-
-
- 7.8 Printer Setups
-
-
- LottoMATIC has many options for controlling the output and format
- of printed reports. You can set these options at print time, but
- you can also define default settings (so you don't have to change
- them every time you print a report).
-
- Select "Report Setups" from the "Setup" menu to pop-up the
- "Report Printing Setup Window".
-
- Margins You can set the "margins" (top, bottom, left, and
- right). Express the top and bottom margins as a
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 33
-
-
-
-
-
-
- number of lines, and the left and right margins as
- a number of characters.
-
- + NOTE: LottoMATIC assumes that you're using
- "fixed width" fonts for your reports (rather than
- proportionally spaced fonts). Most printers do
- use (or at least have the option to use) fixed
- width fonts.
-
- LottoMATIC does not support "postscript" printers
- at this time.
-
- Paper Sizes Paper size is a function of the number of lines
- per page you can print and the number of
- characters on each line. These numbers are
- absolute (i.e. they include margins).
-
- Most printers put 66 lines on a page. Many laser
- printers, however, require built-in top and bottom
- margins. The Hewlett Packard LaserJet, for
- example, can only print 60 lines per page.
-
- The number of characters per line you print will
- usually be determined by either the width of the
- paper (most paper is 8.5" wide) or by the "pitch"
- of the print. For instance, if your printer has a
- "compressed" mode (17 characters per inch), you
- can print 132 characters on a standard letter-
- sized sheet of paper.
-
- + NOTE: You can use the "Printer Setup Strings"
- (discussed below) to "command" your printer into
- compressed mode.
-
- Page Control You can tell LottoMATIC to "pause" after each page
- to let you feed paper (if you're not using a laser
- printer or continuous feed paper).
-
- Printer Port LottoMATIC lets you direct your printed reports to
- LPT1, LPT2, COM1, or COM2. Set your printer port
- in the "Printer Port for Reports" field. (This is
- a "menu field", so press [alt-F10] or the center
- mouse button to "pop" the menu up).
-
- Setup Strings LottoMATIC lets you define printer "setup" and
- "exit" strings to control such things as margins,
- character pitch, attributes, etc. LottoMATIC
- sends the "setup" strings to your printer before
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 34
-
-
-
-
-
-
- it starts the report and the "exit" strings after
- the report is completed.
-
-
- For instance, you may want to "command" your
- printer to print 17 characters per inch for some
- of the reports. You would enter the proper
- "control codes" in the "Printer Setup Strings"
- field.
-
- You'll probably want to use the "exit" strings to
- reset your printer (for normal operation).
-
- The printer control codes can be found in your
- printer manual. The format for entry is
-
- \<decimal code>\<decimal code>\....
-
- The back-slashes delimit the codes. Here is an
- example:
-
- \27\85
-
- This string represents an <ESC> 'U'. (That's an
- escape-capital-U). This is a popular means of
- defining printer codes.
-
- To save you default options to disk, press [F10]. [ESC] returns
- you to the "Setup" menu.
-
-
- 7.9 Report Headings
-
-
- When you select "Report Headings" from the "Setup" menu,
- LottoMATIC opens the "Report Heading Setup Window".
-
- You can enter up to ten lines of information (and LottoMATIC will
- center each line as you go).
-
- LottoMATIC prints these lines at the top of the first page of
- each report (except for blank lines at the bottom).
-
- Press [F10] to save your headings, and then [ESC] to return to
- the "Setup" menu. Press [ESC] without pressing [F10] to abort
- the changes you've made.
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 35
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 7.10 Order Form
-
-
- Use this option to order up-to-date lottery histories or
- registered copies of LottoMATIC. See Appendix A for more
- information about lottery databases available.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 36
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
- How to Order Lottery Databases
-
-
- Custom Technologies maintains "Lottery Database Disks" for every
- state in the United States (that has a lottery), Canada, and
- Australia. We maintain the major lotteries ("pick 5" and "pick
- 6" games).
-
- You can type in the winning numbers for your state yourself, or
- you can purchase the database from us for a nominal cost.
- Currently, we offer the following databases:
-
- o Arizona
-
- o California
-
- o Colorado
-
- o Connecticut
-
- o Delaware
-
- o Florida
-
- o Iowa
-
- o Idaho
-
- o Illinois
-
- o Indiana
-
- o Kentucky
-
- o Kansas
-
- o Massachusetts
-
- o Maryland
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 37
-
-
-
-
-
-
- o Michigan
-
- o Minnesota
-
- o Missouri
-
- o New Hampshire
-
- o New Jersey
-
- o New York
-
- o Ohio
-
- o Oregon
-
- o Pennsylvania
-
- o Rhode Island
-
- o Washington
-
- o West Virginia
-
- o Virginia
-
- o Vermont
-
- o Lotto America
-
- o Tri-State
-
- o Canada
-
- o Australia
-
- States that have both "pick 5" and "pick 6" games include both
- databases at no extra charge.
-
- Each database is $9.95 (plus $2 S&H per order). To order, send a
- check or money order to:
-
- Custom Technologies
- PO Box 10551
- Panama City, FL 32404-1551
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 38
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Indicate which databases you want and include $9.95 for each one.
- Also add $2 to your order for shipping and handling. Florida
- residents please add state sales tax.
-
- You may also order by phone (MasterCard and VISA only) by
- calling:
-
- 1-800-547-6478
-
- This number is valid 24 hrs/day in the US and Canada. Please
- have your credit card ready when you call. This number is for
- orders only... if you need additional information, call Custom
- Technologies directly at (904) 871-5479.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 39
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix B
-
- How and Where to get Help
-
-
- B.1 Technical Support
-
-
- Technical support by telephone, mail, or FAX is ordinarily
- reserved for registered users. We'll help you ONE TIME before
- you register to help install LottoMATIC for evaluation or to
- answer general questions.
-
- If you have questions or require technical support, call our
- technical support line at (904) 871-5479. Do not call our
- tollfree order number with questions, as the operators there
- can't help you (they are completely unfamiliar with the program's
- operation). Our FAX number is also (904) 871-5479 (we have a
- phone/fax switch on the line).
-
- You may write us a letter if you wish, but we are often swamped
- with letters and it may be some time before you receive a reply.
-
- Custom Technologies
- PO Box 10551
- Panama City, FL 32404-1551
-
- You can also reach us for technical support on CompuServe. We
- are topic 7 in the PC Vendor A Support Forum. Just type "GO
- PCVENA" at any CompuServe prompt.
-
- Technical support is available to all users (registered or not)
- on CompuServe with no time limit.
-
- If you're not a CompuServe subscriber and would like a FREE
- IntroPak, call 1-800-848-8199 and ask for operator 154. The
- IntroPak includes FREE sign-up and $15 on-line credit (so you can
- explore CompuServe without spending a dime!). This free offer is
- courtesy of CompuServe and Custom Technologies.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 40
-
-
-
-
-
-
- B.2 Association of Shareware Professionals Statement
-
-
- This program 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're 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
- member's products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545
- Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 or send a CompuServe
- message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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-
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 41
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Index
-
-
- [alt-C] 15, 16 databases
- [alt-F10] 16 lottery 37
- [alt-M] 16 date format 33
- [F1] 15, 16 Date Formats 17
- [INS] 16 dates
- entering 16
- A Delaware 37
- algorithms 4, 7, 30 Drawing Days 12, 30
- Arizona 37 Draws per Game 11, 29
- ASP 41 Duplicates Allowed 11,
- Association of 30
- Shareware
- Professionals 41 E
- Australia 38 Editing Keys 17
- EGA 10
- B exit strings 35
- balls per drawing 29 exploding windows 32
- bottom line 14
- F
- C Florida 37
- calculator 15, 16
- California 37 G
- Canada 38 Game Name 11, 29
- CGA 10 getting started 12
- Colorado 37
- colors H
- customizing 31 headings
- CompuServe 40 report 35
- configuring LottoMATIC help 15, 16
- 29 online 15
- Connecticut 37 Hercules 10
- high-roller 5, 21
- D Highest Number 11, 29
- data entry 17 history
- database 24 lottery 37
- regular numbers 25
- winning numbers 24 I
- your plays 24 Idaho 37
- Illinois 37
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 42
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Indiana 37 P
- insert 15, 16 Page Control 34
- installation 10 Paper size 34
- Iowa 37 paste 15
- Pennsylvania 38
- K Price per Play 12, 30
- Kansas 37 printer 10
- Kentucky 37 Printer Port 34
- printer strings 35
- L printing to the printer
- laser printers 34 27
- LaserJet 34 printing to the screen
- local menu key 16 26
- local menus 16
- Lottery Database Disks Q
- 37 quick pick 19, 30
- Lotto America 38
- Lowest Number 11, 29 R
- lucky number 9, 31 regular numbers 20
- report headings 35
- M reports 26
- Maryland 37 Drawing Analysis 28
- Massachusetts 37 Print Plays 27
- memory requirements 9 printer setups 33
- Memory status 16 Win Analysis 28
- menu key 16 Winning Plays 28
- Menus 14 Rhode Island 38
- Michigan 37 running LottoMATIC 11
- Minimum Matches to Win
- 11, 29 S
- Minnesota 38 screen saver 31
- Missouri 38 setup strings 35
- Mouse 18 sound effects 32
- mouse 10 special effects 32
- mouse driver 10 Special Keys 16
- MSDOS 9 system requirements 9
-
- N T
- New Hampshire 38 technical support 40
- New Jersey 38 top line 15
- New York 38 Tri-State 38
-
- O V
- Ohio 38 Vermont 38
- order form 36 VGA 10
- Oregon 38 Virginia 38
- overwrite 15, 16 virtual paper 26
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 43
-
-
-
-
-
-
- W West Virginia 38
- Washington 38 working messages 15
-
-
-
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-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 44
-
-