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- ******** LottoMATIC (tm) ********
- User's Guide
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- First Edition -- January 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
- 1.3 Should YOU play the lottery? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
- 1.4 Hitting the Jackpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
- 1.4.1 LottoMATIC Algorithms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
- 1.4.2 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
- 1.5 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
- 1.6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
- 1.7 Running LottoMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
- 1.8 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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- Chapter 2 Things You Need to Know 11
- 2.1 Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- 2.2 The "Bottom Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- 2.3 The "Top Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- 2.4 Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
- 2.5 The Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
- 2.6 Special Keys and Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
- 2.7 Data Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- 2.8 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
- 2.9 Using a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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- Chapter 3 Picking Numbers to Play 16
- 3.1 Computer Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
- 3.2 Pick your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
- 3.3 High Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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- Chapter 4 Winning Numbers 18
- 4.1 Recording Winning Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
- 4.2 Scanning for Matches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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- Chapter 5 The Database 19
- 5.1 "Your Picks" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- 5.2 "Winning Numbers" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- 5.3 "Your Wins" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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- Chapter 6 Reports 21
- 6.1 "Print To" Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
- 6.1.1 To the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
- 6.1.2 To the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
- 6.2 The "Print Plays" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
- 6.3 The "Winning Plays" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
- 6.4 The "Win Analysis" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
- 6.5 The "Drawing Analysis" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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- Chapter 7 Setup and Options 24
- 7.1 "Quick Pick" Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
- 7.2 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
- 7.3 The Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
- 7.4 Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
- 7.5 Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
- 7.6 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
- 7.7 Printer Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
- 7.8 Report Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
- 7.9 Import Winning Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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- Chapter 8 Configuring LottoMATIC 30
- 8.1 How Data is Stored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
- 8.2 The CONFIG File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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- Appendix A How and Where to get Help 32
- A.1 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
- A.2 Association of Shareware Professionals Statement . . . 32
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- Index 34
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- Warranty and License Agreement
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- LottoMATIC (tm) is a trademark of Custom Technologies.
-
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- 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:
-
- 1-800-541-6234 (Orders Only)
-
- If you are outside the United States or Canada and can't call toll free,
- you may reach our order line at:
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- (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:
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 3
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- (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).
-
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- 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! 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!
-
- 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
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- o Picks 1 to 100 plays at a time, or enter you own numbers
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- o Store up to 30,000 plays in your personal database
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- o Tracks actual winning numbers
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 4
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- o Date fields automatically advance to the next drawing date
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- o Fully customizable -- configure for virtually any State or National
- lottery
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- o Reports can go to the printer or the screen
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- o Pop-up context-sensitive help
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- o Pull-down and Pop-up menus throughout
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- 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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- 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 5
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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.
-
- 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.
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 6
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- 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 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.
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 7
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- 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").
-
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- 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 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.OVR
- 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 (see Chapter 8, "Configuring 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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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 8
-
-
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- 1.7 Running LottoMATIC
-
-
- To run LottoMATIC, type
-
- LOTTO <state>
-
- to run LottoMATIC. The <state> entry is optional and tells LottoMATIC
- which configuration, history, and "picks" file to use. For instance,
-
- LOTTO FL
-
- Tells LottoMATIC to use the configuration file for the Florida state lotto
- game (these files are supplied with LottoMATIC).
-
- By the way, Florida is the default. If you type
-
- LOTTO
-
- without any arguments, LottoMATIC assumes you want to use Florida. If you
- want to load Colorado files, for example, you'd type
-
- LOTTO CO
-
-
- 1.8 Getting Started
-
-
- Basically, you'll follow a specific routine as you use LottoMATIC week to
- week. Here they are (in a nutshell):
-
- Pick Your Numbers The very first 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.
-
- 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!
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 9
-
-
-
- If you need help at any time while running LottoMATIC, simply press [F1]
- for instant assistance.
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 10
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- 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!
-
-
- 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!
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 11
-
-
-
- 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). 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
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 12
-
-
-
- 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
-
-
-
- 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:
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 13
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-
- 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 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.
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 14
-
-
-
- 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]).
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 15
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- 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 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].
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 16
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-
-
- 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 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.
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 17
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- 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).
-
- + 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.
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 18
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- Chapter 5
-
- The Database
-
-
- LottoMATIC maintains two databases... one containing your plays and another
- one containing the actual winning numbers. The "You 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]. [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).
-
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 19
-
-
-
- We encourage you to faithfully record your winnings (so LottoMATIC can
- generate accurate reports for you).
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 20
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- 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 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.
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 21
-
-
-
- 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].
-
-
- 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].
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 22
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-
-
- 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].
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 23
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- 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 "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.
-
-
- 7.2 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".
-
-
- 7.3 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.
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 24
-
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- 7.4 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).
-
- 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.
-
-
- 7.5 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".
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 25
-
-
-
- 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 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.
-
-
- 7.6 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.
-
-
- 7.7 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 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 User's Guide Page 26
-
-
-
- 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 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
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 27
-
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- 7.8 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.
-
-
- 7.9 Import Winning Numbers
-
-
- LottoMATIC has the ability to "import" lottery history from an ASCII text
- file. You'll find this useful if you want to enter a lot of previous
- winning numbers, but don't want to key them in one at a time.
-
- The text file can have any name, but make sure it's free of "strange"
- characters. That is, if you use a word processor to create the file, be
- sure and save it as a straight ASCII file (without the word processor's
- formatting characters).
-
- Each line of the file must contain the date of the drawing and the numbers
- drawn on that date. For example:
-
- Dec 14, 1991 1,5,17,28,31,41
-
- is a valid entry. The date can be in almost any format (as long as you
- have some sort of delimiter between the month, day, and year). Usually,
- the month precedes the day (although if the day is greater than 12,
- LottoMATIC will figure that out even if it precedes the month).
-
- The numbers must have at least one non-numeric delimiter between them (a
- space is OK). Here are some valid examples of lines in the file:
-
- 12/14/91 11 2 13 34 15 6
- 19 Dec 1991 4/5/12/19/23/40
- 12-26-91 12,5,17,43,2,11
-
- Notice that the numbers don't necessarily have to be in order, LottoMATIC
- will sort them for you. The entries don't need to be in date sequence
- either.
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 28
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC checks each entry as it imports. If the date you entered is
- already in the database, LottoMATIC rejects it. Also, if any of the
- numbers are out of range, if you have duplicate numbers (and duplicates are
- not allowed), or if the date is not a "drawing day", the entry will be
- rejected.
-
- After you enter the name of the file, press [F10] to start importing the
- data. (You can include a complete file path while entering the file's
- name, including the drive and directory). Press [ESC] to return to the
- "Setup" menu.
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 29
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-
-
-
- Chapter 8
-
- Configuring LottoMATIC
-
-
- In this chapter, you'll learn how to 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
-
-
- 8.1 How Data is Stored
-
-
- For each lottery game you want LottoMATIC to track, LottoMATIC creates two
- files:
-
- PICKS.??? and DRAWS.???
-
- where ??? is the file extension that identifies the lottery game. For
- instance, "PICKS.FL" is the "picks" file for the Florida lotto game.
-
- LottoMATIC requires a third file, CONFIG.??? for each game you want to
- track. LottoMATIC comes equipped with CONFIG.FL and PICKS.FL (already
- setup for the Florida lotto game. If you want to track another state's
- lottery, you'll need to create a "custom" CONFIG file.
-
-
- 8.2 The CONFIG File
-
-
- The CONFIG file is simply an ASCII text file with a series of commands that
- configure LottoMATIC. An example is worth a thousand words... here's the
- CONFIG.FL file (for the Florida state LOTTO game):
-
- game = Florida Lotto
- highest number = 49
- lowest number = 1
- draws per game = 6
- minimum win = 3
- duplicates allowed = false
- day = Saturday
- price per play = 1.00
-
- Now let's discuss each line in the file:
-
- game 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).
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 30
-
-
-
- highest number On this line, you tell LottoMATIC what the highest guess
- is. Florida picks 1 to 49, Colorado picks 1 to 42, etc.
-
- lowest number This is almost always 1, but some games do start at zero.
-
- draws per game Most lotto games pick 6 balls. Some, however, like
- Florida's Cash 3 or Play 4 pick fewer balls.
-
- minimum 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).
-
- day 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.
-
- price per play Usually $1.00. This number tells LottoMATIC how much
- each ticket costs.
-
- As another example, suppose you want to make a CONFIG file for the Colorado
- Lottery. The Colorado Lottery is a pick 6 of 42 game played every
- Wednesday and Saturday night. No duplicates can occur, you must match at
- least three numbers to win, and each ticket costs $1.00. Here's what the
- CONFIG file would look like:
-
- game = Colorado Lottery
- highest number = 42
- lowest number = 1
- draws per game = 6
- minimum win = 3
- duplicates allowed = false
- day = Saturday
- day = Wednesday
- price per play = 1.00
-
- You could name the file "CONFIG.CO". Then, to run LottoMATIC and use this
- file, you'd type:
-
- LOTTO CO
-
- and press [ENTER]. LottoMATIC looks for the database files "PICKS.CO" and
- "DRAWS.CO". If it can't find them, it creates new, blank ones.
-
- 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'll need to get a list of previous wins (probably from your
- state's lottery commission) and enter them in the "Enter Winning Numbers"
- window (under the "Numbers" menu). Or, if you have the winning numbers
- recorded in an ASCII file, you can import them directly into LottoMATIC and
- save a lot of time! (See "Import Winning Numbers" above).
-
-
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-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 31
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-
-
- Appendix A
-
- How and Where to get Help
-
-
- A.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.
-
-
- A.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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 32
-
-
-
- Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at PO Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or
- send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
-
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 33
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-
- Index
-
-
- [alt-C] 12, 13 H
- [alt-F10] 12, 13 headings
- [alt-M] 13 report 28
- [F1] 12, 13 help 12, 13
- [INS] 13 online 12
- Hercules 8
- A high-roller 4, 17
- algorithms 4, 6, 24 highest number 30
- ASP 32
- Association of Shareware I
- Professionals 32 import
- winning numbers 28
- B insert 11, 13
- balls per drawing 30 installation 8
- bottom line 11
- L
- C laser printers 27
- calculator 12, 13 LaserJet 27
- CGA 8 local menu key 12
- colors local menus 12
- customizing 25 lowest number 30, 31
- CompuServe 32 lucky number 7, 24
- CONFIG file 30
- configuring LottoMATIC 30 M
- memory requirements 8
- D Memory status 13
- data entry 13 menu key 13
- database 19 Menus 11
- winning numbers 19 minimum win 30, 31
- your plays 19 Mouse 14
- date format 26 mouse 8
- Date Formats 14 mouse driver 8
- dates MSDOS 8
- entering 12
- draws per game 30, 31 O
- duplicates allowed 30, 31 overwrite 11, 13
-
- E P
- Editing Keys 14 Page Control 27
- EGA 8 Paper size 27
- exit strings 27 paste 12
- exploding windows 26 price per play 30, 31
- printer 8
- G Printer Port 27
- game 30 printer strings 27
- getting started 9 printing to the printer 22
- printing to the screen 21
-
-
-
-
-
- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 34
-
-
-
- Q sound effects 25
- quick pick 16, 24 special effects 25
- Special Keys 13
- R state 9
- report headings 28 system requirements 8
- reports 21
- Drawing Analysis 23 T
- Print Plays 22 technical support 32
- printer setups 26 top line 11
- Win Analysis 22
- Winning Plays 22 V
- running LottoMATIC 9 VGA 8
- virtual paper 21
- S
- screen saver 24 W
- setup strings 27 working messages 11
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- LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 35
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