PC Electronic Plus/PC Electronics Plus (Most Significant Bits)(1995).ISO/mcad40/microcad.doc

Text File | 1995-08-01 | 102KB | 2,806 lines

     PROGRAM LICENSE
     ---------------

     MicroCAD 4.0 is owned and Copyright (c)1991-1995 by David R. Allaway.
     All rights reserved.

     This program is NOT in the public domain, but may be licensed for
     personal use.  The user's Name, Address and a $35 Registration Fee
     (check or money order in U.S. funds) should be sent, payable to:


           DAVID R. ALLAWAY
           BOX 145
           READINGTON, NJ 08870-0145
           U.S.A.


     Registered users are entitled, in addition to continued program use,
     to the following for a minimum period of one year from date of
     registration:

         - Technical assistance at the above address or 1-908-369-8688.

         - Correction of program errors.

         - Updates to the program and documentation, as available.

     License is granted for trial use up to 30 days prior to registration.
     During the trial use period, technical assistance will be provided on
     a limited basis.

     This program is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all warranties,
     expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties
     of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.  The author
     assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may
     result from the use of this program.

     AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
     PC Paintbrush is a registered trademark of ZSoft Corp.
     Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.



     CONTENTS
     --------

     1.0   INTRODUCTION
           ------------
     1.1   Installation
     1.2   Installation for Windows
     1.3   Logo Screen
     1.4   Diagram Screen
     1.5   Cursor Control


     2.0   OBJECT CREATION
           ---------------
     2.1   Draw Line
     2.2   Draw Horizontal or Vertical Line
     2.3   Draw Rectangle or Square
     2.4   Draw Circle or Ellipse
     2.5   Draw 3D Box
     2.6   Draw Triangle
     2.7   Draw Point
     2.8   Draw Polyline
     2.9   Create Text
     2.10  Select Symbol


     3.0   OBJECT MODIFICATION
           -------------------
     3.1   Select Object (Sequential)
     3.2   Grab Object (On Screen Select)
     3.3   Move Object
     3.4   Resize Object
     3.5   Clone Object
     3.6   Solid Fill
     3.7   Pattern Fill
     3.8   Pattern Gallery
     3.9   Pattern Outline
     3.10  Line Types
     3.11  Arrowheads
     3.12  Semi-Circles and Semi-Ellipses



           OBJECT MODIFICATION (continued)
           -------------------------------
     3.13  Tilt Object
     3.14  Roll Object
     3.15  Spin Object
     3.16  Restore Object Rotations
     3.17  Reorient Object
     3.18  Recolor Object
     3.19  Text Font
     3.20  Erase-Unerase Object
     3.21  Select Erased Object
     3.22  Group-Ungroup
     3.23  Object Statistics
     3.24  Revolved Surfaces
     3.25  Undo-Redo Change


     4.0   DIAGRAM MODIFICATION
           --------------------
     4.1   Redefine Color
     4.2   Reset Colors
     4.3   Color Overlay Mode vs. Color Mix Mode
     4.4   Axis Lines
     4.5   Overlay Grid
     4.6   Zoom-In and Zoom-Out
     4.7   Tilt View
     4.8   Roll View
     4.9   Spin View
     4.10  Reset View
     4.11  Move Diagram
     4.12  Projection Modes
     4.13  Axis Windows / Statistics
     4.14  Erase Screen
     4.15  Clone Diagram
     4.16  Fill Pattern Editor
     4.17  Linear Dimensioning / Units
     4.18  Orthogonal Rotations
     4.19  Display All Erased Objects



     5.0   DIAGRAM RETRIEVAL AND PRINTING
           ------------------------------
     5.1   Retrieve Diagram
     5.2   Diagram Gallery
     5.3   Diagram Import
     5.4   Diagram Export
     5.5   Image Capture
     5.6   Printer Setup
     5.7   Print Diagram
     5.8   Color Printing
     5.9   Diagram Deletion
     5.10  Add or Remove Symbol


     6.0   MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS
           -----------------------
     6.1   Return to DOS
     6.2   Program Help
     6.3   File Data
     6.4   Video Test Patterns
     6.5   Command Line Parameters


     7.0   MESSAGES
           --------
     7.1   Error Messages
     7.2   Informational Messages
     7.3   Messages Requiring a Reply


     8.0   FILE DESCRIPTIONS
           -----------------
     8.1   Diagram (MCD) File Format
     8.2   Symbols (DAT) File Format
     8.3   Initialization (INI) File Format
     8.4   Image Capture (PCX) File Format
     8.5   DXF Import Technical Notes
     8.6   DXF Export Technical Notes



     1.0   INTRODUCTION
           ------------

     MicroCAD is a powerful but easy-to-use design and drawing program for
     DOS PC's.  It can be used for quick sketches by non-technical users,
     but also contains many features only found in more complex CAD
     programs.  These include 3-D capabilities, and import/export in DXF
     format.

     MicroCAD was created with the following objectives:

       1)  To provide a diagramming facility which combines the ease-of-use
           of paint programs with the object manipulation capabilities of
           CAD programs.

       2)  To provide an icon-based interface, which allows the creation of
           complete diagrams without commands, menus or keyboard entry.

       3)  To provide for both the creation of two-dimensional diagrams,
           and the creation and manipulation of objects in 3-D perspective.

       4)  To achieve fast display speeds without the use of graphics or
           math co-processors.

       5)  To minimize the program size, to allow fast and inexpensive
           distribution.

     The program is designed to run on any DOS or OS/2 system with a VGA
     or VGA-compatible video adapter and a mouse driver installed.  The
     program has been designed to run on a 8086/88, 80286, or 80386/486
     processor.

     A high-quality monitor is recommended.

     Most of the program features are designed to be self-explanatory.  The
     following instructions provide a detailed reference to the operation
     of each function.  These instructions apply to version 4, release 08.



     1.1   Installation
           ------------

     The program distribution consists of the following files (only):
                                                               ----
           MICROCAD.EXE    - MicroCAD executable (required).

           MICROCAD.DOC    - These instructions (required).

           MICROCAD.ICO    - Program icon for Windows (optional).

     The above files should be copied to your hard disk.  It is recommended
     that these be placed in a separate directory, e.g. C:\MICROCAD.

     To start the program, type 'MICROCAD' from the C:\MICROCAD> prompt,
     or select MICROCAD.EXE from the MS-DOS Shell.

     The following additional files are created when the program is run:

           MICROCAD.INI    - Contains your configuration settings.

           MICROCAD.DXF    - Contains your latest diagram export copy.

           MICROCAD.PCX    - Contains your latest diagram image capture.

           SYMBOLS1.DAT    - Contains your customized symbol gallery.

           filename.MCD    - Created for each of your saved diagrams.



     1.2   Installation for Windows
           ------------------------

     MicroCAD does not require Microsoft Windows, but will run successfully
     under Windows.  MicroCAD may be run from the DOS prompt, or launched
     from the File Manager, or added as a Program Item.

     Adding MicroCAD as a Program Item
     ---------------------------------
     Select 'File, New, Program Item' from the Windows Program Manager menu.
     The Command Line should specify the directory to which you have copied
     MICROCAD.EXE, for example:

           C:\MICROCAD\MICROCAD.EXE [command line parameters]

     The command line parameters are optional (see 6.5).  A program icon is
     also included.  Select 'File, Properties, Change Icon...' and specify
     File Name:

           C:\MICROCAD\MICROCAD.ICO

     Adding a DOS Mouse Driver (Windows 3.X only)
     --------------------------------------------
     Because MicroCAD does not use the Windows 3.X mouse driver, it may be
     necessary to add a DOS mouse driver to your system.  This can usually
     be done by adding the following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

           C:\DOS\MOUSE.COM

     Adding a File Manager or Windows Explorer Association
     -----------------------------------------------------
     MicroCAD diagrams can be displayed directly from the Windows File
     Manager, by double-clicking on the diagram file name.  To install
     this File Manager feature: select 'File, Associate...' and specify
     'MCD' as the file extension and 'C:\MICROCAD\MICROCAD.EXE' as the
     association.

     To install the same feature in the Windows 95 Explorer, select 'View,
     Options..., File Types, New Type...' and enter for Description:
     'MicroCAD 4.0 Diagram', and for Associated Extension: 'MCD', then
     select 'New...' and enter for Action: 'open', and for Application:
     'C:\MICROCAD\MICROCAD.EXE'.  Also, select 'Change Icon...' and specify
     File Name: 'C:\MICROCAD\MICROCAD.ICO'.



     1.3   Logo Screen
           -----------

     When the program is started, a 'MicroCAD 4.0' logo will be displayed.

     The logo will be cleared, and the previous diagram settings restored
     as soon as the mouse is clicked, or the cursor is moved to the icon
     area.



     1.4   Diagram Screen
           --------------

     The diagram screen consists of:

       1)  The ICON AREA, on the left side of the screen.

           When the cursor is in the icon area, it will appear as an arrow.
           To select a function, move the arrow to an icon and click the
           left or right mouse button, as per the instructions.  When a
           function is selected, the icon will be highlighted.  Some
           functions are momentary, and will return to the previously
           selected icon when complete.

       2)  The DIAGRAM AREA, on the remainder of the screen.

           When the cursor is in the diagram area, it will appear as a
           crosshair (+).  The currently selected diagramming function is
           performed when the left or right mouse button is pressed, as per
           the instructions.

       3)  The ICON HELP MESSAGE, on the top left of the diagram area.

           As the cursor is moved over each icon (or axis window), the icon
           help message displays the function associated with the icon or
           window.  When the cursor is in the diagram area (or 3D window),
           the help message corresponds to the currently selected function.

           If different functions are associated with the left and right
           mouse buttons, they will be shown separated by a diagonal (/).

       4)  The DIAGRAM NAME (or number) on the top right of the diagram
           area.

       5)  The STATISTICS, on the lower portion of the screen.

           These will appear whenever the axis windows are turned on (for
           details, see 3.23).



     1.5   Cursor Control
           --------------

     The cursor is normally moved with the mouse.  To increase or decrease
     the sensitivity of the mouse, specify +c or -c on the command line
     (see 6.5).

     The cursor may also be moved with the keyboard arrow keys.  This may
     be helpful when creating, resizing or moving objects, in order to set
     precise sizes or coordinates.  Each time an arrow key is pressed, the
     cursor will move by one distance unit.  If an arrow key is held, the
     cursor will move continuously.  The arrow keys operate simultaneously
     with the mouse, and may be used at any time to make minor adjustments
     to the cursor location.

     Whether using the mouse or arrow keys, the mouse buttons are required.
     Unless otherwise stated, use the left mouse button.  The instructions
     will specify 'RIGHT' when the right mouse button is to be used.



     2.0   OBJECT CREATION
           ---------------

     The following functions are used to add new objects to the diagram.


     2.1   Draw Line
           ---------

     To draw a line:

       a)  Click on the Line icon [/].

       b)  Point to the starting point of the line.

       c)  Press the left button, and move the cursor toward the desired
           end-point.  The line will expand as the cursor is moved.

       d)  When the cursor is at the desired end point, release the
           button.

     The new line becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw additional lines, repeat from step b).



     2.2   Draw Horizontal or Vertical Line
           --------------------------------

     To draw a horizontal or vertical line:

       a)  Click on the Horizontal/Vertical icon [+].

       b)  Point to either end point of the line.

       c)  Press the left button, move the cursor up, down, or sideways.
           The line will expand horizontally or vertically, in the
           predominant direction the cursor is moved.

       d)  When the line is at the desired end point, release the
           button.

     The new line becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw additional horizontal or vertical lines, repeat from step b).



     2.3   Draw Rectangle or Square
           ------------------------

     To draw a rectangle:

       a)  Click on the Rectangle icon.

       b)  Point to any corner of the rectangle.

       c)  Press the left button, move the cursor toward the opposite
           corner.  The rectangle will expand as the cursor is moved.

       d)  When the cursor is at the desired opposite corner, release the
           button.

     The new rectangle becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw a square, use the Square icon, and move the cursor from any
     corner to an opposite side.



     2.4   Draw Circle or Ellipse
           ----------------------

     To draw a circle:

       a)  Click on the Circle icon.

       b)  Point to the center of the circle.

       c)  Press the left button, move the cursor in any direction.  The
           circle will expand as the cursor is moved.  A temporary
           outline box will also be drawn around the circle.

       d)  When the circle reaches the desired size, release the button.
           The temporary outline box will be erased.

     The new circle becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw an ellipse, use the Ellipse icon, and start at either side of
     the ellipse.



     2.5   Draw 3D Box
           -----------

     To draw a 3D box:

       a)  Click on the 3D Box icon.

       b)  Point to any corner of the box.

       c)  Press the left button, move the cursor to the opposite corner,
           and release.

     The new box becomes the 'current' object.

     All 3D boxes are created with a square base.  That is, with equal
     width and depth.  To create 3D boxes with unequal width and depth,
     create a box with the desired depth, and then use the resize
     function to adjust the width (see 3.4).



     2.6   Draw Triangle
           -------------

     To draw a right triangle:

       a)  Click on the Triangle icon.

       b)  Point to one acute corner of the triangle.

       c)  Press the left button, move the cursor to the opposite corner,
           and release.

     The new triangle becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw an isosceles triangle, press the RIGHT button and move the
     cursor from either base corner to the top corner.



     2.7   Draw Point
           ----------

     To draw a single point:

       a)  Click on the Point icon [.].

       b)  Point to the desired location.

       c)  Click on the mouse button.

     The new point becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw additional points, repeat from step b).



     2.8   Draw Polyline
           -------------

     A polyline is two or more connected line segments which behave as a
     single object.  To draw a polyline:

       a)  Click on the Polyline icon [/\/].

       b)  Point to the starting point of the line.

       c)  Press the mouse button, and move the cursor toward the desired
           end-point.  The line will expand as the cursor is moved.

       d)  When the cursor is at the desired end point, release the
           button.

       e)  Point to the end point (vertex) of the next line segment, and
           click on the mouse button.  A line will be drawn from the end
           point of the previous line, to the cursor position.

     To add additional line segments, repeat step e).

     The new polyline becomes the 'current' object.

     To draw additional polylines, repeat from step a).



     2.9   Create Text
           -----------

     To create a line of text:

       a)  Click on the Text icon [abc].

       b)  Click on the desired starting location (bottom-left margin).

       c)  Enter the text on the keyboard.  During entry, the Backspace
           key may be used to correct errors.  The down-arrow key may be
           used to continue entry on the next line.

       d)  Press the Enter key, or click either mouse button, when done.

     The new text becomes the 'current' object.

     To enter additional text, repeat from step b).

     A temporary box shows where the text will appear on the diagram.  The
     size of the box is adjusted according to the text font, and shows the
     space the text will occupy under normal zoom.  If the box does not
     appear in the desired location, click again to remove, and repeat from
     step b).  Alternatively, the text may be entered anywhere, and then
     moved to the desired exact location (see 3.3).



     2.10  Select Symbol
           -------------

     To display a gallery of predefined 2D symbols, click on the Symbol
     Gallery icon [*].  To select one of the displayed symbols into the
     current diagram, click on it with the left button.  To return to the
     diagram display without selecting a symbol, click on any empty cell.

     The selected symbol will be inserted at the center of the diagram,
     and will become the current object.  The symbol may be moved, resized,
     reoriented, recolored, cloned, erased, etc.

     Symbols are inserted at their apparent size, regardless of the current
     diagram zoom.  To create a larger symbol: zoom-out, select the symbol,
     and then restore to normal zoom.  To create a smaller symbol: zoom-in,
     select the symbol, and then restore to normal zoom.  Architectural
     symbols are always inserted at their correct size in inches or ft.-in.
     regardless of the current diagram zoom.

     User-defined symbols may also be added to the gallery (see 5.10).



     3.0   OBJECT MODIFICATION
           -------------------

     The following functions are used to make changes to objects within the
     diagram.  These may be used to modify the object just drawn, or to
     modify any object which has been selected as the 'current' object.


     3.1   Select Object (Sequential)
           --------------------------

     To find an object and make it the 'current' object, click on the
     Select icon.

     Each time the Select icon is clicked, a different object will blink
     and become the current object.

     If the button is held, the object will flash continuously.  This may
     be helpful to spot smaller objects.

     If this function encounters a group, the group will blink once as a
     single object.

     Objects may also be selected using the On Screen Select function.



     3.2   Grab Object (On Screen Select)
           ------------------------------

     To select an object directly on the screen, click on the Select icon
     and then click directly on the object.  The object will blink to
     signal that it has been selected.  If there are many objects in the
     diagram, it may be necessary to hold the button for a second until the
     object starts blinking.  It may be necessary to position the center of
     the cross-hairs exactly on the object.

     The on screen grab includes a move function.  If the button is held
     while the object is blinking, the object may be moved to a new
     location.  Simply slide the cursor while keeping the button held.

     It is also possible to press the button, and then slide the cursor
     across an object.  The cursor will grab the object as it goes by.

     To move an object in the Z-axis, press the RIGHT button.  Pushing the
     mouse away will push the object 'into' the screen (away from the
     viewer).  Pulling the mouse closer will pull the object 'out of' the
     screen (toward the viewer).

     An object may also be moved using the Move function.



     3.3   Move Object
           -----------

     To relocate the current object within the diagram:

       a)  Click on the Move icon.

       b)  Position the cursor anywhere on the screen and press the left
           button.

       c)  Move the cursor, and the current object will 'follow'.

       d)  When the object is in the desired location, release the button.

     This may be repeated, from step b).

     If a group member is selected, all members of the group will be moved.

     To move an object in the Z-axis, press the RIGHT button.  Pushing the
     mouse away will push the object 'into' the screen (away from the
     viewer).  Pulling the mouse closer will pull the object 'out of' the
     screen (toward the viewer).

     An object may also be moved using the On Screen Select function.



     3.4   Resize Object
           -------------

     To adjust the shape or size of the current object or group:

       a)  Click on the Resize icon.

       b)  Position the cursor near a corner of the current object and
           press the mouse button.

       c)  Move the cursor away from the object horizontally, and the
           object will be made wider.

           Move the cursor toward the object horizontally, and the object
           will be made narrower.

           Move the cursor away from the object vertically, and the object
           will be made taller.

           Move the cursor toward the object vertically, and the object
           will be made shorter.

       d)  When the object is adjusted as desired, release the button.

     This may be repeated, from step b).

     If a group member is selected, the entire group will be resized as a
     single object.

     To resize an object in the vertical direction only, position the
     cursor directly above or below the object center.

     To resize an object in the horizontal direction only, position the
     cursor directly to the right or left of the object center.

     Distortion or loss of detail may result from repeated resizing, or
     from enlarging an object which has been reduced to a very small size.



     3.5   Clone Object
           ------------

     To create an exact copy of the current object:

       a)  Click on the Clone icon.

       b)  Position the cursor anywhere on the screen, press and hold the
           left button.  The current object will temporarily disappear.

       c)  Move the cursor.  The copy will follow, and the original will
           reappear.

       d)  When the new object is in the desired location, release the
           button.

     The new copy will become the current object.

     To create additional copies, repeat from step b).

     If a group member is selected, all members of the group will be
     copied.

     To clone an object in the Z-axis, press the RIGHT button.  Pushing the
     mouse away will push the object 'into' the screen (away from the
     viewer).  Pulling the mouse closer will pull the object 'out of' the
     screen (toward the viewer).



     3.6   Solid Fill
           ----------

     To fill the current rectangle, square, triangle, circle, ellipse or
     3D box with solid color, click on the Fill-Unfill icon.  Semi-circles,
     semi-ellipses, and arcs up to 180 degrees may also be filled.

     To remove the solid fill, click again.

     If the current object is a group member, all applicable members of the
     group will be solid filled or un-filled.

     The solid fill will reverse the pattern on any pattern-filled object.



     3.7   Pattern Fill
           ------------

     To fill the current rectangle, square, triangle, circle or ellipse
     with a special pattern, click on the Pattern Fill icon.

     To change to the next pattern, click again.

     If the current object is a group member, all applicable members of the
     group will be pattern filled.

     To reverse the pattern, click on the Fill-Unfill icon.



     3.8   Pattern Gallery
           ---------------

     To display all of the available fill patterns, including reversed
     versions, click on the Pattern Gallery icon.  The cursor will point to
     the current object pattern.

     To select one of the displayed patterns, point to it and click on the
     left button.  The current object, if applicable, will be filled with
     the selected pattern.

     If the current object is a group member, all applicable members of the
     group will be pattern filled.

     Customized fill patterns may also be created (see 4.16).



     3.9   Pattern Outline
           ---------------

     To outline the perimeter of a pattern-filled rectangle, click on the
     Fill-Unfill icon with the RIGHT button.

     To remove the perimeter outline, click again.

     If the current object is a group member, all applicable members of the
     group will be outlined.

     The outline will also prevent reverse-filled patterns from running all
     the way to the edge of the rectangle.

     The outline will only be used in the primary window.



     3.10  Line Types
           ----------

     To change the current object from solid line to dotted line, click on
     the Dotted Line icon.

     Each click will step through the available line types.  After the last
     line type, the object will return to solid line.

     If the current object is a group member, all applicable members of the
     group will be changed.



     3.11  Arrowheads
           ----------

     To add an arrowhead to the end of a vertical or horizontal line,
     click on the Arrow icon.

     To move the arrowhead to the opposite end, click again.

     To add an arrowhead to both ends, click again.

     To remove both arrowheads, click again.



     3.12  Semi-Circles and Semi-Ellipses
           ------------------------------

     To change the current circle or ellipse from Full to One-Half or
     One-Quarter, click on the Semi-Circle icon, as follows:

     To change from Full to Top half, click once.

     To change from Top half to Bottom half, click again.

     To change from Bottom half to Right half, click again.

     To change from Right half to Left half, click again.

     To change from Left half to Upper-Right quarter, click again.

     To change from Upper-Right to Lower-Right quarter, click again.

     To change from Lower-Right to Lower-Left quarter, click again.

     To change from Lower-Left to Upper-Left quarter, click again.

     To change from Upper-Left to Full, click again.

     To change the current circle or ellipse to an arc between 0 and 360
     degrees, click on the Semi-Circle icon with the RIGHT button.  Each
     click will increase the arc length by 5 degrees.  To change the arc
     starting angle, click on the Roll Object icon.



     3.13  Tilt Object
           -----------

     To Tilt (Pitch) the current object forward, click on the Tilt Object
     icon.  Each click rotates the object by one degree around the center
     of the object.

     If the button is held, the object will tilt continuously until
     released.  If the RIGHT button is used, the object will be tilted
     backward.

     If the current object is a group member, the entire group will be
     rotated around the group center.



     3.14  Roll Object
           -----------

     To Roll the current object clockwise, click on the Roll Object icon.
     Each click rotates the object by one degree around the center of the
     object.

     If the button is held, the object will roll continuously until
     released.  If the RIGHT button is used, the object will be rolled
     counter-clockwise.

     If the current object is a group member, the entire group will be
     rotated around the group center.



     3.15  Spin Object
           -----------

     To Spin (Yaw) the current object left-to-right, click on the Spin
     Object icon.  Each click rotates the object by one degree around the
     center of the object.

     If the button is held, the object will spin continuously until
     released.  If the RIGHT button is used, the object will be spun
     right-to-left.

     If the current object is a group member, the entire group will be
     rotated around the group center.



     3.16  Restore Object Rotations
           ------------------------

     To restore the current object rotations (roll, tilt, spin) to zero,
     click on the Reset Object icon.



     3.17  Reorient Object
           ---------------

     To roll the current object clockwise by exactly 90 degrees, click on
     the Reorient Object icon.  Use the RIGHT button for counter-clockwise.

     Each additional click will roll the object by another 90 degrees.  The
     fourth click will restore the object to its original orientation.  The
     object reorientation is in addition to the object rotations, if any,
     and is not reset by the Reset View icon.

     If the current object is a group, the entire group will be reoriented.

     The reorient object function may be used to create sideways or upside
     down text (except 7x10 font).



     3.18  Recolor Object
           --------------

     By clicking on any of the eight color icons, the current object color
     is changed to the indicated color.

     The indicated color also becomes the color for any new objects.

     If the current object is a group member, all objects in the group will
     be recolored.

     An object may not be changed to the background color.



     3.19  Text Font
           ---------

     The default 5x7 text font may be changed to 6x7, 7x10 or 9x13.

     To change the text font, click on the Text Font icon [aA].  This
     changes the font on the current object (if it is text), and on any new
     text.  Any other text will remain unchanged.

     Each click will change to the next font.

     When changing fonts, the text width and height will change, but the
     left and bottom margins will remain the same.

     The 9x13 font may be changed to other shapes and sizes by using the
     Resize function (see 3.4).  All fonts, except 7x10, may be rotated
     sideways (see 3.17).



     3.20  Erase-Unerase Object
           --------------------

     The Erase function may be used to erase any object or to unerase any
     previously erased object.

     - To erase the object just created, click on the Erase icon.  To
       immediately restore the erased object, click again.

     - To erase any previously created object, select the object using the
       Select function (see 3.1 and 3.2), then click on the Erase icon.

     - To restore a previously erased object, use the Select Erased
       function (see 3.21), then click on the Erase icon.

     If the selected object is group member, all members of the group will
     be erased or unerased.

     If the object dimensions are displayed, the first click will erase the
     dimensions only.  The second click will erase the object.  The third
     click will restore both the object and the dimensions.

     Erased objects will be remembered, even after leaving the program,
     unless the diagram becomes so complex that space must be reclaimed, in
     which case the oldest erased objects will be forgotten first.



     3.21  Select Erased Object
           --------------------

     To find a previously erased object, click on the Select icon with the
     RIGHT button.

     Each time the RIGHT button is clicked or held, a different erased
     object will blink on momentarily, or flash continuously.

     By then clicking on the Erase icon (with the left button), the object
     can be 'unerased'.

     If there are a large number of previously erased objects, it may be
     more convenient to use the 'Display All Erased Objects' function (see
     4.19).



     3.22  Group-Ungroup
           -------------

     Multiple objects may be grouped together to behave as a single object.
     They may, for example, be moved, cloned, recolored, rotated, etc. as
     a single object.

     To identify the first group member:

       a)  Click on the Group-Ungroup icon.

       b)  Point to an object on the screen and click or hold the left
           button.  The object should blink or flash to acknowledge.

     To identify each additional group member:

       c)  Point to an object to be added and click or hold the left
           button, all of the current group members should blink together.

     To ungroup an object, click on it with the RIGHT button.  The object
     will blink individually to signify that it has been disconnected.

     Additional group members may be added at any time, by selecting the
     group with the Select Object function.  Then click on the Group-
     Ungroup icon, and click on an object which is not already a member.

     An object may not be added to or removed from a group if either have
     been rotated or revolved.  This is because the change in the group
     center would impact the rotations.  Instead, first restore the object
     and/or group to normal view, then add or remove the object, then
     reapply the desired rotations.



     3.23  Object Statistics
           -----------------

     The current object statistics and related data are displayed, at the
     bottom of the screen, whenever the axis windows are on (see 4.13), or
     may be displayed separately by clicking on the Axis Windows icon with
     the RIGHT button.  The statistics include:

         - The cursor position (x,y)
         - The diagram scale (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1:1, 2X, 4X, 8X)
         - The current object or group position (x,y,z)
         - The current object or group size (height, width, depth)
         - The current line length or triangle hypotenuse length
         - The current square, rectangle perimeter or circle circumference
         - The current ellipse circumference [approximate]
         - The current line slope (degrees from horizontal)
         - The current square, rectangle, triangle, circle or ellipse area
         - The current 3D box or sphere surface area
         - The current object or group rotations (roll, tilt, spin)
         - The projection mode (PERSP, OBLIQUE, ISO, ORTHO)
         - The projection lens focal length (mm)
         - The viewer distance from the axis origin (@...)
         - The diagram modification date and time (upper right corner)

     The statistics always reflect the current object, and are updated as
     the cursor is moved, or as an object is moved, rotated or resized.
     When creating a new object, the statistics are updated as the object
     is being created.  This may be used to create or resize an object to
     exact scale.

     The positions are displayed relative to the axis origin at the center
     of the screen (see 4.4).  The position of a line corresponds to its
     left end-point.  The position of a square, rectangle or group
     corresponds to its upper-left corner.  The position of a circle or
     ellipse corresponds to its center.  The object rotations are displayed
     in degrees clockwise, as viewed from the axis windows.

     The statistics may be displayed in 1/10ths, 1/1000ths, Ft.-In., or
     1/16ths (see 4.17).  In Ft.-In., areas will be shown in Sq.-In. up to
     143 Sq.-In., and Sq.-Ft. (or fraction of) up to 30,000 Sq.-Ft.  In
     1/16ths areas will be shown in Sq.-In. (or fraction of) up to 30,000
     Sq.-In.



     3.24  Revolved Surfaces
           -----------------

     Additional 3-dimensional surface types may be created by revolving
     existing objects.  To revolve an object, click on the Revolved Surface
     icon.  To restore a revolved object to normal, click again.

     Revolved surfaces may be created as follows:

           Normal Object       Revolved            Grouped and Revolved
           -------------       --------            --------------------

           Point               n/a                 Locus

           Diagonal Line       Cone                Frustum

           Horizontal Line     Disc                Disc (open center)

           Vertical Line       n/a                 Cylinder (open)

           Circle              Sphere              Torus

           Semi-Circle         Hemisphere          Curved Surface

           Ellipse             Spheroid            Toroid (elliptical)

           Semi-Ellipse        Hemispheroid        Curved Surface

           Rectangle           Cylinder (closed)   Toroid (rectangular)

           Polyline            Complex Surface     Complex Surface

     Individual objects will be revolved around the object center or line
     start-point.  Grouped objects and polylines will be rotated around the
     Y-axis line.  Revolved objects may be best viewed by altering the
     projection mode (see 4.12).



     3.25  Undo-Redo Change
           ----------------

     To undo the object or diagram change just made, click on the Undo-Redo
     icon.  To restore the change click again.  Repeated clicks will toggle
     between the changed and unchanged versions.

     Group changes may not be undone.

     To undo the object just drawn, use the Erase function.



     4.0   DIAGRAM MODIFICATION
           --------------------

     The following functions are used to make changes which will apply to
     the entire diagram.


     4.1   Redefine Color
           --------------

     To redefine any of the eight colors, or the background color, click
     on the corresponding Color icon with the RIGHT button.

     A gallery of 64 standard colors will be displayed.  The cursor will
     point to the current color.  To select one of the standard colors,
     point to it and click on the left button.

     To select from among 4,096 custom colors, point to the closest
     standard color and click on the RIGHT button.  A gallery of 64
     variations on the standard color will be displayed.  To select a
     custom variation, point to it and click on the left button.  To cancel
     without selecting one of the custom variations, click again on the
     RIGHT button.



     4.2   Reset Colors
           ------------

     To select one of four standard color schemes, click on the Reset
     Colors (multi-color) icon.  To select the next color scheme, click
     again.  The color schemes are:

     - Bright colors on a black background.
     - Bright colors on a dark-blue background.
     - Bright colors on a blue-green background.
     - Medium colors on a white background.

     The four color schemes all use the same eight colors, and are suitable
     for different ambient lighting conditions.



     4.3   Color Overlay Mode vs. Color Mix Mode
           -------------------------------------

     The three primary colors (Red, Green, Blue) normally mix with each
     other to produce four additional color combinations (Cyan, Yellow,
     Magenta, White).  Alternatively, the three primary colors may be
     changed to overlay each other in a particular order.

     To switch from color mixing to color overlay, click on the Reset Color
     (multi-color) icon with the RIGHT button.  To restore color mixing,
     click again with the RIGHT button.  The current mix or overlay
     technique is displayed on the icon itself.



     4.4   Axis Lines
           ----------

     To turn on the X, Y and Z axis lines, click on the Axis icon.  The Z
     axis line is only visible if the diagram has been rotated, or in
     oblique or isometric projection.

     To turn the axis lines off, click again.



     4.5   Overlay Grid
           ------------

     To turn the overlay grid on, click on the Grid icon.

     To turn the grid off, click again.

     While the grid is on, newly created objects will automatically be
     aligned on the nearest grid dot.

     The default grid spacing is 10 units.  To step through the available
     grid sizes, click on the Grid icon with the RIGHT button while the
     grid is on.  The available grid sizes are: 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16.



     4.6   Zoom-In and Zoom-Out
           --------------------

     To increase the display scale by 2X, click on the Zoom icon.  This may
     be repeated up to three times beyond normal (to 8X scale).

     To decrease the display scale by 1/2, click on the Zoom icon with the
     RIGHT button.  This may be repeated up to three times beyond normal
     (to 1/8th scale).

     To restore the scale to 1:1, click on the Reset View icon.

     The zoom function zooms in on the center of the screen.  To zoom in on
     another portion of the diagram, use the Move Diagram function to move
     the desired portion of the diagram to the center of the screen.  The
     axis lines may be used to help center the desired portion of the
     diagram.



     4.7   Tilt View
           ---------

     To Tilt (Pitch) the diagram view forward, click on the Tilt View icon.

     Each click rotates the view by one degree around the X axis.  If the
     button is held, the view will tilt continuously until released.

     If the RIGHT button is used, the diagram will be tilted backward.

     To restore the view to zero tilt, click on the Reset View icon.



     4.8   Roll View
           ---------

     To Roll the diagram view clockwise, click on the Roll View icon.

     Each click rotates the view by one degree around the Z axis.  If the
     button is held, the view will roll continuously until released.

     If the RIGHT button is used, the diagram will be rolled counter-
     clockwise.

     To restore the view to zero roll, click on the Reset View icon.



     4.9   Spin View
           ---------

     To Spin (Yaw) the diagram view left-to-right, click on the Spin View
     icon.

     Each click rotates the view by one degree around the Y axis.  If the
     button is held, the view will spin continuously until released.

     If the RIGHT button is used, the diagram will be spun right-to-left.

     To restore the view to zero spin, click on the Reset View icon.



     4.10  Reset View
           ----------

     To restore the view rotations (roll, tilt, spin) to zero, and return
     to normal zoom, click on the Reset View icon.

     To reposition the diagram to the center of the screen, click on the
     Reset View icon with the RIGHT button.

     The view rotations will be automatically reset to zero when drawing.



     4.11  Move Diagram
           ------------

     To relocate the entire diagram within the display window:

       a)  Click on the Move Diagram icon.

       b)  Position the cursor anywhere on the screen and press the left
           button.

       c)  Move the cursor, and the entire diagram will follow.

       d)  When the diagram is in the desired location, release the button.

     This may be repeated, from step b).

     To relocate the entire diagram in the z-axis, press the RIGHT button.

     To restore the diagram to its original position, click on the Reset
     View icon.

     To reposition the diagram to the center of the screen, click on the
     Reset View icon with the RIGHT button.



     4.12  Projection Modes
           ----------------

     The diagram may be displayed in four different projection modes:

       1) Three-Point Perspective Projection (PERSP)

       2) Orthographic (Parallel) Projection (ORTHO)

       3) Right Oblique (Cabinet) Projection (OBLIQUE)

       4) Right Isometric Projection (ISO)

     The diagram is normally displayed in perspective projection.  To
     select one of the four available projection modes, click on the
     corresponding Projection Mode icon.  The icon for the current
     projection mode is always highlighted.

     In oblique and isometric modes, view rotations are ignored.  The
     diagram move, zoom, object rotation and orthogonal rotation functions
     remain in effect.  In perspective and orthographic modes, the view may
     be changed to any desired angle.

     In perspective mode, the perspective may be increased by clicking on
     the Perspective icon with the RIGHT button.  This decreases the lens
     focal length, and decreases the viewer distance to maintain the same
     image scale.  Click again to restore to normal perspective.

     The projection mode will be automatically reset from isometric to
     perspective when drawing.



     4.13  Axis Windows / Statistics
           -------------------------

     Click on the Windows icon to divide the screen into four parts: 3D
     view, top view, front view and side view.  Click again to restore to
     full 3D view only.

     The axis windows are displayed at 1/4 the current diagram scale, in
     orthographic projection.  Text is not displayed in the axis windows.

     When the axis windows are on, the cursor position and current object
     statistics are also displayed (see 3.23).  To display the statistics
     only, without the axis windows, click on the Axis Windows icon with
     the RIGHT button.



     4.14  Erase Screen
           ------------

     To erase the currently displayed diagram from the screen, and reset
     the display parameters, click on the Erase Screen icon.

     The displayed diagram will be saved, including any changes.



     4.15  Clone Diagram
           -------------

     To create a new diagram from an existing diagram, retrieve the
     existing diagram (see 5.1), then click on the Clone icon with the
     RIGHT button.

     The existing diagram will be saved, including any changes.  The date,
     time and diagram number will be erased from the display.  Any
     subsequent changes will be saved as a new diagram.

     This feature may also be used to save interim versions of a diagram,
     as it is being created or modified.  Simply click on the Clone icon
     with the RIGHT button before proceeding with a change or group of
     changes.  This will allow the version before the changes to be
     retrieved at a later time, if desired.



     4.16  Fill Pattern Editor
           -------------------

     The fill patterns supplied with the program may be edited to create
     customized fill patterns.

     To edit a fill pattern, click on the Pattern Gallery icon to display
     the pattern gallery.  Point to the pattern to be edited and click on
     the RIGHT button.  This may be a pattern which is similar to the
     desired pattern, or any pattern which is not needed.  The blank and
     solid-fill patterns may not be edited.

     The dot matrix for the selected pattern will be displayed, along with
     the resultant fill pattern in normal and reverse formats.  To return
     to the pattern gallery without editing the pattern, click on the RIGHT
     button again.

     To edit the pattern, point to a cell in the matrix and click on the
     left button.  The cell will be toggled on or off, and the resultant
     fill pattern will be updated.

     When the editing is complete, click on the RIGHT button to return to
     the diagram screen.



     4.17  Linear Dimensioning / Units
           ---------------------------

     To display the dimensions of each line, rectangle, triangle or 3D Box
     directly on the diagram, click on the Dimensions icon [1"].  To remove
     the dimensions, click again.

     Dimensions may be removed from an individual object by clicking on the
     Erase icon (see 3.20).  Individual object dimensions, once removed,
     will remain off unless individually restored.

     To change the dimensioning units, click on the Dimensions icon with
     the RIGHT button.  The available dimensioning units are:

     - Units     (whole numbers)
     - 1/10ths   (one decimal place)
     - 1/1000ths (three decimal places)
     - Ft.-In.   (units and 1/12ths)
     - 1/16ths   (units and 1/16ths)

     Note: The Zoom In/Out function will alter the apparent size of all
     objects without changing the dimensions.  This may be used to set the
     effective scale of the diagram.



     The following chart indicates the range of dimensions which can be
     drawn with various combinations of zoom and dimensioning units.  This
     may be used to select an appropriate starting point for creating a
     diagram.  Note that the zoom may be adjusted while editing the
     diagram, to draw objects having larger and/or finer dimensions.

      Scale    Units     1/10ths      1/1000ths     Ft.-In.      1/16ths
      -----    ------    ---------    ----------    ---------    ----------

       1/8     8-4000    0.8-400.0    .008-4.000    8"-372'      1/2" -256"

       1/4     4-2000    0.4-200.0    .004-2.000    4"-184'      1/4" -128"

       1/2     2-1000    0.2-100.0    .002-1.000    2"- 92'      1/8" - 64"

       1:1     1- 500    0.1- 50.0    .001- .500    1"- 46'      1/16"- 32"

        2X     1- 250    0.1- 25.0    .001- .250    1"- 23'      1/16"- 16"

        4X     1- 125    0.1- 12.5    .001- .125    1"- 11'6"    1/16"-  8"

        8X     1-  50    0.1-  5.0    .001- .050    1"-  5'9"    1/16"-  4"

     The maximum value is less than the width of the display area, with the
     axis windows off.  Slightly smaller dimensions are available with
     the axis windows on, and in the vertical direction.



     4.18  Orthogonal Rotations
           --------------------

     The entire diagram may be rotated by 90 degrees in order to provide a
     left side, right side, back, top or bottom view in the main (3D)
     window.  With the axis windows on, simply click on the axis window
     displaying the desired view.

     If the TOP window is clicked on, the diagram will be rotated by 90
     degrees counter-clockwise as viewed from the right side:

     - The first click will rotate the diagram to the top.
     - The second click will rotate the diagram to the back (upside down).
     - The third click will rotate the diagram to the bottom.
     - The fourth click will restore the diagram to the front.

     If the FRONT window is clicked on, the diagram will be rotated by 90
     degrees clockwise as viewed from the front.

     - The first click will rotate the diagram sideways (right side down).
     - The second click will rotate the diagram upside down.
     - The third click will rotate the diagram sideways (left side down).
     - The fourth click will restore the diagram to normal orientation.

     If the SIDE window is clicked on, the diagram will be rotated by 90
     degrees clockwise as viewed from the top:

     - The first click will rotate the diagram to the right side.
     - The second click will rotate the diagram to the back (backwards).
     - The third click will rotate the diagram to the left side.
     - The fourth click will restore the diagram to the front.

     If the RIGHT button is used, in any of the windows, the direction of
     rotation will be reversed.

     This function, unlike the tilt, roll and spin functions, changes the
     actual object orientations, not just the view.  This allows additional
     objects to be drawn at 90 degree angles to the original diagram.

     The axis windows (see 4.13) may be turned on temporarily in order to
     use this function.  The diagram rotations will remain in effect after
     the windows have been turned off.



     4.19  Display All Erased Objects
           --------------------------

     To display all previously erased objects, click on the Erase-Unerase
     icon with the RIGHT button.

     To restore one of the displayed 'erased' objects to the main diagram:

       a)  Click on the Select Object icon.

       b)  Click directly on the object to be 'unerased'. (If the object
           does not blink once, adjust the mouse cursor and hold the left
           button down until the object begins to blink.)

       c)  Click on the Erase-Unerase icon, with the left button.

     To return the display to normal, click again on the Erase-Unerase
     icon with the RIGHT button.

     The diagram will automatically be returned to normal if any drawing
     function is used.



     5.0   DIAGRAM RETRIEVAL AND PRINTING
           ------------------------------


     5.1   Retrieve Diagram
           ----------------

     When a new diagram is saved, you will be asked to supply a unique 1-8
     character diagram name.  If you do not wish to save the diagram, press
     the Delete key, and reply 'Y' to the warning message.

     To retrieve any diagram by name, click on the Retrieve Diagram icon,
     enter the 1-8 character diagram name, and press Enter.

     When entering a diagram name, a list of all diagrams beginning with
     the letters you have typed so far will be displayed.  This may be used
     to help remember a diagram name, or to avoid assigning a previously
     used name.  The backspace key may be used to correct errors.

     To retrieve the next diagram in directory sequence, click on the
     Retrieve Diagram icon with the RIGHT button.

     To view the entire directory, 16 or 64 diagrams at a time, use the
     Diagram Gallery feature (see 5.2).

     Any new or modified diagram in progress will be automatically saved
     when the Retrieve Diagram function is used.



     5.2   Diagram Gallery
           ---------------

     To display the entire diagram directory, click on the Diagram Gallery
     icon with the left or RIGHT button.  The gallery may be displayed in
     either large or small format:

     - If the left button is used, up to 16 diagrams per page will be
       displayed at 1/4 scale (large format).

     - If the RIGHT button is used, up to 64 diagrams per page will be
       displayed at 1/8 scale (small format).

     Click on any diagram to retrieve it, or click anywhere with the RIGHT
     button to display the next page of 16 or 64 diagrams.

     All diagrams in the gallery will be displayed using default colors.
     The diagram name will be displayed at the top of each diagram in the
     gallery.  Diagrams may not be deleted directly from the gallery, but
     may be retrieved and then deleted (refer to instruction 5.9).

     Any new or modified diagram in progress will be automatically saved
     when the Diagram Gallery function is used.



     5.3   Diagram Import
           --------------

     Files in the Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) may be imported and
     saved as MicroCAD diagrams.

     Specify %filename on the command line, where 'filename' is the full
     name of the DXF file to be imported.  The file will be imported and
     displayed at program start-up.  A running tally of the import entities
     and parameters will be displayed.

     If the imported diagram is too small or lacks detail, specify .n on
     the command line ('n' is the number of significant digits to the right
     of the decimal point on the input coordinates).  Start with .1 and
     increase gradually.


     Example:

          microcad %sample.dxf .1


     Because of differences in object representations, DXF import is
     subject to inherent limitations.  The import feature is particularly
     useful for viewing DXF files or one-time 'porting' of diagrams from
     other programs.  Exporting an imported diagram, or importing a
     previously exported diagram, is not generally recommended.

     For technical notes on the DXF import, refer to section 8.5.



     5.4   Diagram Export
           --------------

     Diagrams may be exported to other programs which can accept files in
     the Drawing Interchange Format (DXF).  This includes many CAD,
     graphics and word-processing programs.

     No special action needs to be taken to export a diagram.  The file
     MICROCAD.DXF will always contain the most recently displayed diagram,
     in DXF format.  This file may be renamed or copied to another file, to
     save the exported diagram more permanently.  Alternatively, a name for
     the export file may be specified on the command line when starting the
     program (see 6.5).

     Because many programs which accept DXF can only interpret two-
     dimensional data, diagrams created with 3-D information must be given
     special consideration, as follows:

     If a 3-D diagram is exported for use in a program which can correctly
     render 3-D images, the axis windows should be turned ON (see 4.13)
     before exiting the program.  This will cause all 3-D data to be
     exported 'as is'.  The diagram view and perspective may then be
     handled by the receiving program.  This is intended for 3-D CAD
     programs.

     If a 3-D diagram is exported for use in a program which cannot render
     3-D images, the axis windows should be turned OFF (see 4.13) before
     exiting the program.  This will cause a 'snapshot' of the current
     diagram to be exported as a two-dimensional image, according to the
     current viewing angle and projection mode.  The image will then appear
     in this fixed orientation to the receiving program.  This is intended
     for word-processing and 2-D CAD programs.

     If linear dimensioning is turned on, all dimensions will be exported
     as text entities.  This allows the dimensions to appear in programs
     which cannot automatically calculate dimensions.  If the object
     dimensions are to be altered in the receiving program, or dimensions
     are not required, linear dimensioning should be turned off before
     exiting the diagram (see 4.17).  Dimensioning is automatically turned
     off for 3-D exports.

     For technical notes on the DXF export, refer to section 8.6.



     5.5   Image Capture
           -------------

     The current diagram may be saved as a bitmap image for display or
     printing by other programs.  Press on the 'Snapshot' icon and a full-
     screen image will be displayed, and the image will be recorded as file
     MICROCAD.PCX.  When the mouse button is released, the normal display
     will be restored.

     The image file, MICROCAD.PCX, may be copied or renamed, in order to
     save it more permanently.  An alternate image file name may also be
     specified via command-line parameter (see 6.5).  The size of the file
     can vary from approximately 10K to 200K, depending on the image
     complexity and colors used.

     The PCX (PC Paintbrush) format is accepted by most graphics programs.
     This format is a two-dimensional array of picture elements (pixels),
     not object definitions.  To export a diagram to another CAD program,
     or to a graphics program which can accept object definitions, refer to
     section 5.4.

     The image will normally be clipped to the size of the actual drawing,
     but may be captured as a full screen, with border, by specifying '-y'
     on the command line (see 6.5).

     This function may also be used at any time just to display the diagram
     in full-screen format, by pressing on the Snapshot icon.  If desired,
     the image recording may be disabled via command-line parameter '-p'.

     The entire screen (including axis windows, statistics and icons) may
     also be recorded at any time, by pressing Ctrl + Print Screen on the
     keyboard.  This may be used to record the diagram galleries, pattern
     screens, etc., but cannot be used to record the color gallery or
     color test patterns.



     5.6   Printer Setup
           -------------

     To step through the available printer types, click on the Print icon
     with the RIGHT button.  The available printer types are:

        1) Epson LQ, 24-pin, landscape, 60 dpi (draft).

        2) Epson LQ, 24-pin, landscape, 120 dpi (bold).

        3) Epson LQ, 24-pin, portrait, 180 dpi.

        4) HP LaserJet or DeskJet, portrait, 75 dpi.

        5) HP LaserJet or DeskJet, landscape, 75 dpi.

        6) HP LaserJet, landscape, high-resolution, 300 dpi.

        7) HP PaintJet, 16-color, portrait, run-length encoded, 90 dpi.

        8) Epson LQ860 / Star Rainbow, 24-pin, 7-color, landscape, 120 dpi.

        9) IBM Proprinter, 9-pin, landscape, 60 dpi.

       10) IBM Proprinter, 24-pin, landscape, 120 dpi.

       11) HP DeskJet Color, portrait, run-length encoded, 75 dpi.

       12) HP DeskJet Color, landscape, run-length encoded, 75 dpi.

     These selections may also work for other printer models with similar
     specifications.  The program cannot tell if the selected type matches
     the printer.  If it does not, incorrect output will result.

     The printer type may also be selected via command line parameter (see
     6.5).

     LaserJet high-resolution mode requires 1MB of available printer memory
     and will take several minutes to print.  The portion of the diagram
     currently being transferred to the printer will be displayed.  To use
     high-resolution mode on LaserJet models earlier than IIP you must use
     the -j command line parameter (see 6.5).



     5.7   Print Diagram
           -------------

     To print the diagram, on the printer type shown, click on the Print
     icon.

     Printed output is directed to the default printer (LPT1).  The program
     will normally wait if the printer is not ready, or reject the print
     function if the printer is inaccessible.

     An alternate device name, or file name (up to 33 characters), for
     printed output may be specified on the command line, for example:

           /LPT2

     If a file name is specified (for example: /DIAGRAMS.PRT), and it does
     not exist, it will be created.  The file will be added-to each time
     the Print function is used.  The file may be deleted or renamed after
     printing.



     5.8   Color Printing
           --------------

     Color printing converts the screen colors (RGB system) to printer
     colors (CYMK system) as follows:


           Screen Color (RGB)              Printer Color  (CYMK)
           ------------------              ---------------------

           0 = Black   (none)              to 0 = Black   (K)

           1 = Blue    (B)                 to 3 = Violet  (C+M)

           2 = Green   (G)                 to 6 = Green   (C+Y)

           3 = Cyan    (G+B)               to 2 = Cyan    (C)

           4 = Red     (R)                 to 5 = Orange  (Y+M)

           5 = Magenta (R+B)               to 1 = Magenta (M)

           6 = Yellow  (R+G)               to 4 = Yellow  (Y)

           7 = White   (R+G+B)             to     White   (no action)


     Dot-matrix printing uses color separation to print each line (24 rows)
     with a single pass of each ribbon, as needed.  To prevent ribbon
     smudging, the ribbons are applied in the following sequence:
     Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black.  The printed background is always
     white, regardless of the selected screen background.



     5.9   Diagram Deletion
           ----------------

     A diagram may be deleted at any time, by retrieving it and then
     pressing the DELETE key on the keyboard.  A message will be displayed:


           ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE THIS DIAGRAM? [press Y/N]


     Press Y to confirm the delete or N to cancel the delete.

     If the delete function is used on a new diagram, it will be erased
     from the screen without saving it.

     If the delete function is used on an existing diagram, it will be
     erased from the screen, and deleted from the DOS directory.

     If the delete function is used on an existing diagram, to which
     changes have just been made, it will be erased from the screen
     without saving the changes.  The prior version will remain in the
     DOS directory.



     5.10  Add or Remove Symbol
           --------------------

     An object or group may be added to the symbol gallery for use in other
     diagrams.  To add the current object or group to the symbol gallery:
     click on the Symbol Gallery icon [*] with the RIGHT button.  A Symbol
     may be any 2D object (or group) except text, and should be limited in
     size to less than half the screen height and width.

     To remove a symbol from the gallery: display the gallery and click on
     the symbol to be removed with the RIGHT button.

     Space is reserved for eight new symbols.  Up to 64 new symbols may be
     added by removing one or more of the predefined symbols.

     A customized symbol gallery may be distributed to other program users,
     by copying file SYMBOLS1.DAT.  The symbol gallery may be restored to
     it's original predefined symbols, by deleting file SYMBOLS1.DAT.



     6.0   MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS
           -----------------------


     6.1   Return to DOS
           -------------

     To exit the program, click on the DOS icon [C:>].  Any diagram changes
     will be saved.  The program license and registration information will
     be displayed.  Click again to return to DOS.



     6.2   Program Help
           ------------

     To display this document while running the program, click on the
     Program Help icon [?].  The starting page will correspond to the most
     recently used function.  Each additional click will display the next
     page.  To page backward, click on the RIGHT button.

     To print this document, click on the Program Help icon with the RIGHT
     button.  You may also copy file MICROCAD.DOC directly to your printer.



     6.3   File Data
           ---------

     To view the current diagram object catalog and display parameters,
     press on the DOS icon [C:>] with the RIGHT button.

     See Diagram (MCD) File Format (8.1) for details.



     6.4   Video Test Patterns
           -------------------

     For a black & white video-resolution test pattern, click on the
     'Snapshot' icon with the RIGHT button.

     For a 16-by-16 color-saturation test pattern, click again.

     For a grey-scale and color-hue test pattern, click again.

     To return to the displayed diagram, click again.



     6.5   Command Line Parameters
           -----------------------

     The default printer device and file names may be changed via command
     line parameters:


           /printer    - 'printer' is the printer device name or file name.

                         The default printer device name is LPT1.

           =export     - 'export' is the export file name.

                         The default export file is MICROCAD.DXF.

           %import     - 'import' is the import file name.

                         The default is no import.

           @document   - 'document' is the documentation file name.

                         The default documentation file is MICROCAD.DOC.

           *image      - 'image' is the image capture file name.

                         The default image capture file is MICROCAD.PCX.

           !symbols    - 'symbols' is the customized symbols file name.

                         The default symbols file is SYMBOLS1.DAT.

           \diagram    - 'diagram' is a file name, including the .MCD
                         extension, to be used instead of the current
                         diagram, with the +z option (see below).


     File names may be simple (=drawing.dxf) or may contain the path and
     file name (=c:\diagrams\drawing.dxf).  The path and file name may not
     exceed 33 characters.

     Note: Any changes to the printer or file names will remain in effect
     for all subsequent program use.



     The following features may be changed via command line parameter:

           #n          - Selects the 'n'th printer type (see 5.6).

           $xx         - Sets the video mode to 'xx' (non-VGA use only).

           .n          - Sets the DXF import precision to 'n' decimals.

           -c          - Reduces the cursor speed by half.

           +c          - Doubles the cursor speed.

           -j          - Removes the LaserJet data compression.

           +k          - Operates the program in read-only mode, preventing
                         changes to existing diagrams.

           -p          - Removes the image capture feature.

           -w          - Removes the mouse driver warning message.

           -x          - Removes the DXF export feature.

           -y          - Changes from clipped to full-screen image capture.

           -z          - Removes automatic retrieval of the current diagram
                         at program start-up.

     Note: Any changes to the features will remain in effect for all
     subsequent program use.  Any feature may be added or removed by using
     '+' or '-'.  Use '0c' to reset the cursor speed to normal.

     The following example sets the default printer to HP LaserJet portrait
     mode on port LPT2:

           C:\MICROCAD>microcad #4 /lpt2


     The following example imports DXF file 'SAMPLE.DXF' at a precision of
     two decimal places:

           C:\MICROCAD>microcad %sample.dxf .2



     7.0   MESSAGES
           --------

     7.1   Error Messages
           --------------

     The program will return immediately to DOS, with an error message,
     under the following conditions:

     'VGA required. [xx]'

          The program must be run on a PC equipped with a VGA or fully
          VGA-compatible video adapter.  'xx' is the current VGA mode.

     'Documentation file missing or incorrect.'

          A complete copy of the documentation (MICROCAD.DOC) corresponding
          to this program release must be present.

     'Mouse driver not installed.'

          A DOS mouse driver must be installed.  Install and restart.  For
          additional information, see 1.2, or consult the instructions for
          your mouse.

     'Insufficient disk space for conversion.'

          Additional disk space is required in order to convert existing
          diagrams to the current format.  Make additional space available
          and restart.  The additional space will be freed as soon as the
          conversion is complete.  This applies to version 1.x users only.

     'Error in MICROCAD.INI at line nnn.'

          An invalid change has been made to line 'nnn' of MICROCAD.INI.
          Correct the change, or delete MICROCAD.INI to reset all changes.

     'Symbols file is corrupted.'

          The specified symbols file is not valid.  Specify a valid symbols
          file, or delete SYMBOL1.DAT, and restart.



     7.2   Informational Messages
           ----------------------

     Program startup will be momentarily delayed if one of the following
     messages is displayed:

     'Warning: Mouse driver not supported.  [press any key to continue]'

          The installed mouse driver may be incompatible or out of date.
          If program problems are encountered, obtain a more recent mouse
          driver version.  Press any key to start the program.  Use the -W
          command line parameter to remove this warning message (see 6.5).

     'Converting to new catalog format.  Please wait.'

          Diagrams created prior to version 2.0 are being converted to
          individual files.  This one-time conversion may require a
          minute or more.  No reply is required.

     'Renaming existing diagrams.  Please wait.'

          Diagrams created prior to version 4.0 are being changed to 'MCD'
          filename extensions.  This one-time change may require several
          seconds.  No reply is required.

     '*** REMOVING DUPLICATE LINES ***'

          Identical lines in the DXF import file are being located and
          removed.  This message may be displayed one or more times.



     7.3   Messages Requiring a Reply
           --------------------------

     The following messages may be displayed on the top line of the screen
     while the program is running:

     'Enter Diagram Name (1-8 characters) ________'

          Enter the name you wish to assign to the currently displayed new
          diagram, then press the Enter key.  The message will be displayed
          again if you do not enter a valid 1 to 8 character file name, or
          the name conflicts with the name of an existing diagram.  If you
          do not wish to save the currently displayed diagram, press the
          Delete key.

          If no diagram is currently displayed, enter the name of an
          existing diagram you wish to retrieve.

          Note: The names of all existing diagrams beginning with the
          letters you have typed so-far will be displayed.

     'ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE THIS DIAGRAM? [press Y/N]'

          Press Y to delete this diagram, or N to save the diagram.

     'Press any key when printer is ready or ESC to cancel'

          The program is ready to print this documentation, as requested.
          Check to see that the printer is online and loaded with enough
          paper (60 pages) before proceeding.  If you do not wish to print
          at this time, press the Escape (ESC) key.

     'Disk full or protected.  [Press 'R' to retry or 'I' to ignore]'

          The disk or directory is full, or the disk is write-protected.
          Correct the error (or change to another diskette) and then press
          'R'.  Press 'I' to continue without saving the diagram.



     8.0   FILE DESCRIPTIONS
           -----------------

     The following descriptions of the file formats are provided for
     advanced users and developers.


     8.1   Diagram (MCD) File Format
           -------------------------

     The following is a description of the file format for each diagram.
     Each diagram comprises three variable-length segments, as follows:
     View Segment, Object Segment and Text Segment.  Note: All words are
     stored with the low-order byte first.

     View Segment
     ------------
     The view segment contains parameters which apply to the entire
     diagram:

     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        0  VIEW - 0030  Length of view segment, in bytes (48)

        1  CURR - nnnn  Current-object offset

        2  XMOV - nnnn  Diagram shift in X-axis (left)

        3  YMOV - nnnn  Diagram shift in Y-axis (up)

        4  ZMOV - nnnn  Diagram shift in Z-axis (out)

        5  UNIT - uupp  uu = Units and dimensioning (on/off):

                             01 - Integer   (on)  FF - Integer   (off)
                             02 - 1/10ths   (on)  FE - 1/10ths   (off)
                             03 - Ft.-In.   (on)  FD - Ft-In.    (off)
                             04 - 1/16ths   (on)  FC - 1/16ths   (off)
                             05 - 1/1000ths (on)  FB - 1/1000ths (off)

           PROJ -       pp = Projection mode:

                             00 - Perspective     02 - Isometric
                             01 - Oblique         FF - Orthographic



        6  YEAR - nnnn  Year modified

        7  DATE - ddmm  Month (mm) and Day (dd) modified

        8  TIME - mmhh  Hour (hh) and Minute (mm) modified

        9  CMIX - mmtt  mm = Color overlay/mix mode:

                             00 - Overlay mode    01 - Mix Mode

           FILE -       tt = Diagram type (02 = MicroCAD 1.0 or above)

       10  TILT - nnnn  Diagram tilt (pitch) in degrees counter-clockwise

       11  SPIN - nnnn  Diagram spin (yaw) in degrees counter-clockwise

       12  ROLL - nnnn  Diagram roll in degrees counter-clockwise

       13  LENS - ffdd  ff = Lens exponent (0 = 50mm)

           ZOOM -       dd = Viewer distance exponent (0 = 1000 units)

       14  AXIS - aavv  aa = Axis lines status:

                             00 - Axis lines off
                             01 - Axis lines on

           WIND -       vv = Axis window status:

                             00 - Axis windows off
                             01 - Axis windows on
                             02 - Statistics only

       15  through 22   Palette registers 0-15 (one byte each)

       23  GRID - ffgg  gg = Grid size (0 = off)

           FONT -       ff = Current text font (see Object MODE)



     The following are not part of the view parameters, but are included in
     the display for program support:

           MCAD - vvrr  MicroCAD version (vv) and release (rr)
           MDOS - vvrr  DOS version (vv) and release (rr)
           BIOS - yymm  BIOS version year (yy) and month (mm)
           PROC - nnnn  Processor type (8086, 0286, 0386, 0486, 0586)
           MOUS - vvrr  Mouse driver version (vv) and release (rr)
           TYPE - ttnn  Mouse type (tt) and IRQ number (nn)
           ADDR - xxxx  Program address of last interrupt
           CODE - xxxx  Code(s) associated with last interrupt

     The following are displayed for imported diagrams only:

           LAYER        Layer name
           MODE - mmsc  Layer mode (see Object Segment)
           ATTR - xxxx  Layer attributes (0=undeclared)

           BLOCK        Block name
           FROM - nnnn  Block starting offset
           TO   - nnnn  Block ending offset

           LINE         Line name
           DEFINITION   Line definition



     Object Segment
     --------------
     The object segment contains the descriptions of each object within the
     diagram:

     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        0  SIZE - nnnn  Length of object segment, in bytes (3 to 65277)

        1  TYPE - ggtt  gg = Group number (00 if not a group member)

                        tt = Object type:

                             00 - Null            06 - Text
                             01 - Point           07 - Triangle
                             02 - Line            x8 - Revolved Surface
                             03 - Ellipse         1x - Customization
                             04 - Rectangle       8x - Erased Object
                             05 - 3D Box          FF - End of Catalog

        2  Y0   - nnnn  Beginning Y-axis coordinate

        3  X0   - nnnn  Beginning X-axis coordinate

        4  Z0   - nnnn  Beginning Z-axis coordinate

        5  Y1   - nnnn  Ending Y-axis coordinate

        6  X1   - nnnn  Ending X-axis coordinate

        7  Z1   - nnnn  Ending Z-axis coordinate or text offset in pool

     All coordinates correspond to the screen row (Y) and column (X),
     relative to the upper-left corner of the screen at normal zoom.



     Object Segment (continued)
     --------------------------

     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        8  MODE - mmsc  mm = Mode:

                             01 - Alternate line type or 7x10 text font
                             02 - Outlined pattern or 9x13 vector font
                             03 - 6x7 text font
                             04 - Solid fill or reverse pattern
                             x0 - Pattern fill 0-30 (even)
                             x8 - Pattern fill 1-31 (odd)
                             40 - Right or top arrow
                             80 - Left or bottom arrow

                             Alternate line type:

                             01 - Dashed       09 - Dotted
                             03 - Hidden       0B - Dash-Dot
                             05 - Center       0D - Border
                             07 - Phantom      0F - Divide

                        s  = Circle/ellipse slice:

                             0 - Full          5 - Upper-right quadrant
                             1 - Upper half    6 - Lower-right quadrant
                             2 - Lower half    7 - Lower-left quadrant
                             3 - Right half    8 - Upper-left quadrant
                             4 - Left half     A - Variable-length arc

                          or 1 = Isosceles triangle
                          or 8 = Object dimensioning off

                        c  = Object Color (default scheme):

                             0 - Cyan          4 - Blue
                             1 - Green         5 - White
                             2 - Red           6 - Yellow
                             3 - Orange        7 - Magenta



     Object Segment (continued)
     --------------------------

        9  TILT - nnnn  Object tilt (pitch) in degrees counter-clockwise

       10  ROLL - nnnn  Object roll in degrees counter-clockwise
                        or arc starting angle in degrees counter-clockwise

       11  SPIN - nnnn  Object spin (yaw) in degrees counter-clockwise
                        or arc length in degrees counter-clockwise

       12  through 32637 Additional objects (same as words 1 through 11)

     The following are not part of the object parameters, but are included
     in the display:

           TEXT - cccccc Text value (first six characters from text pool)

     The current object is indicated by an '=' following the object type.



     The following object formats are used for program customizations:


     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        1  TYPE - 001C  Color specification:

        2  DAC  - 00cc  cc = D/A converter register number (0-63)

        3  RED  - 00rr  rr = Red component (0-63)

        4  GRN  - 00gg  gg = Green component (0-63)

        5  BLUE - 00bb  bb = Blue component (0-63)

        6  through 11   Not used


     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        1  TYPE - 001F  Edited fill pattern:

        2  FILL - 00mm  mm = Pattern number (Same as MODE)

        3  DOT1 - bbaa  1st (aa) and 2nd (bb) dot-matrix row

        4  DOT2 - ddcc  3rd (cc) and 4th (dd) dot-matrix row

        5  DOT3 - ffee  5th (ee) and 6th (ff) dot-matrix row

        6  DOT4 - hhgg  7th (gg) and 8th (hh) dot-matrix row

        7  through 11   Not used



     Text Segment
     ------------
     The text segment contains the values for all text objects:


     Word  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
        0  POOL - nnnn  Length of text segment, in bytes (2 to 4098)

        1  through 2048 Text pool (zero or more null-delimited strings)



     8.2   Symbols (DAT) File Format
           -------------------------

     The following describes the format of file SYMBOLS1.DAT, which
     contains the definitions for the pre-defined and user-defined symbols.

     The file contains a symbol table, which consists of a length word,
     followed by zero or more symbol definitions, followed by an end-of-
     table byte (FF).  Each symbol definition consists of one or more
     7-byte object definitions, followed by an end-of-symbol byte (00).

     Byte  Name   Description
     ----  ----   -----------
     0-1   SIZE - nnnn  Size of symbol table in bytes (3 to 8195),
                        including this word.

                        Note: The size should be equal to 7n+s+3, where s
                        is the number of symbols and n is the total number
                        of objects.

     2     TYPE - tt    See TYPE description in Object Segment (8.1)

     3     Y0     nn    Beginning Y-axis coordinate (-128 to 127)

     4     X0   - nn    Beginning X-axis coordinate (-128 to 127)

     5     Y1   - nn    Ending Y-axis coordinate (-128 to 127)

     6     X1   - nn    Ending X-axis coordinate (-128 to 127)

     7-8   MODE - mmsc  See MODE description in Object Segment (8.1)

     9     FLAG - xx    If NON-ZERO: bytes 9-16 are the next object for
                        this symbol (same description as bytes 2-9).
                        [i.e., this is the TYPE byte for the next object]

                        If ZERO: the following byte (10) is either the
                        first object TYPE byte for the next symbol, or
                        FF = end-of-table.



     All coordinates are relative to the nominal center of the symbol.

     Symbols are 2D.  The implied z-axis coordinates and rotations are
     zero.  Once inserted in a diagram, however, a symbol may be rotated or
     moved in the z-axis.

     Empty (zero objects) symbols are not allowed.  Each symbol must
     contain at least one object, and may contain no 'null' objects.

     The symbols file is considered to be corrupted unless each TYPE/FLAG
     byte is equal to 0x (object), 8x (deleted object), 00 (end-of-symbol),
     or FF (end-of-table); and the end-of-table byte is encountered at the
     location predicted by the length word (SIZE).  In addition, the length
     must be within the range specified above.



     8.3   Initialization (INI) File Format
           --------------------------------

     The following describes the format of the file MICROCAD.INI, which
     contains the initialization and status parameters.

     Parameter group names must be enclosed in brackets, as shown.

     Parameters shown as 'value' may be assigned a numeric (decimal or
     hexadecimal) value.  Parameters shown as 'name' may be assigned a
     character value.  Parameters shown as 'code' may be assigned only
     prescribed values or names.  Parameters shown as 'status' may be
     specified as 'On' or 'Off'.

     Hexadecimal values must be preceded by '0x'.  Character values
     containing blanks must be enclosed in single-quotes.  Multi-value
     parameters may be separated by commas or spaces.

     In the description, default values are indicated in brackets.
     Parameters indicated as 'write-only' cannot be modified.



     Parameter               Description
     ---------               -----------

     [Environment]           Program environment (write-only):
     Processor=code          Processor type (0x8086, 0x0286, 0x0386, 0x0486
                             or 0x0586 = Pentium)
     DosVersion=value        DOS version and release number (0xVVRR)
                             0x0700=Windows 95, 0x1400 and above = OS/2
     BiosDate=value          BIOS revision date (0xYYMM)
     MicroCAD=value          MicroCAD version and release number (0xVVRR)

     [Files]                 File names (may be changed to include paths):
     NewFiles=xxx            File extension for new named-diagrams [MCD]
     FileSpec=name           File specification for existing diagram
                             retrieval [*.MCD]
     OldFiles=name           File specification for pre-Version 4 diagrams
                             [DIAGRAM#.???]
     XCatalog=name           File name of pre-Version 2 diagram catalog
                             [MICROCAD.CAT]
     Document=name           File name of documentation [MICROCAD.DOC]
     USymbols=name           File name of default or user-defined symbols
                             table [SYMBOLS1.DAT]

     [Printer]               Printer selection:
     PrintDevice=name        Printer device name or file name [LPT1]
     PrintDriver=code        Printer driver name (Epson1, Epson2, Epson3,
                             Laser1, Laser2, Laser3, PaintJet, LQ860,
                             Proprint1, Proprint2, DeskJetC1, DeskJetC2)

     [Laser3]                HP LaserJet III driver options:
     Compression=status      HP LaserJet III data compression [On]



     Initialization (INI) File Format (continued)
     --------------------------------------------

     [Video]                 Video parameters:
     VideoMode=value         Video mode [18]
     UserVideo=value         User's original video mode (write-only)
     VideoTest=status        Mode verification [On]
     VideoSync=status        Vertical-retrace synchronization [Off]

     [Mouse]                 Mouse information (Driver/Type/IRQ write-only)
     MouseDriver=value       Mouse driver version and release (0xVVRR)
     MouseType=code          Mouse type (Bus, Serial, InPort, PS/2 or HP)
     MouseIRQ=value          Mouse interrupt-request (IRQ) number
     MouseRate=code          Mouse sensitivity (Normal, Fast, Slow)
     MouseWarning=status     Mouse compatibility warning [On]

     [Import]                DXF import options:
     Precision=value         DXF import precision decimal places [0]

     [Export]                DXF export options:
     ExportStatus=status     DXF export feature status [On]
     ExportPath=name         DXF export file name [MICROCAD.DXF]
     ExportScale=value       DXF export scaling factor [10]

     [Image]                 PCX export options:
     ImageStatus=status      PCX export feature status [On]
     ImagePath=name          PCX export file name [MICROCAD.PCX]
     ImageCrop=status        PCX export image clipping [On]



     [View Status]           Current diagram and view parameters:
     FileName=name           Current diagram file name
     ReadOnly=status         Read-only feature status [Off]
     LastRead=status         Current-diagram retrieval feature status [On]
     GridSize=value          Current grid size (0 = off)
     GridColor=value         Grid object color [14]
     AxisColor=value         Axis line object color [3]
     Windows=status          Axis windows status [Off]
     Statistics=status       Statistics window status [Off]
     Projection=code         Projection mode (PERSP, ISO, ORTHO or OBLIQUE)
     Distance=value          Viewer distance from axis origin [1000]
     Lens=code               Projection lens (25mm or 50mm)
     Dimensions=status       Line dimensioning status [Off]
     Unit=code               Statistics/dimensioning units (1, 10ths,
                             12ths, 16ths or 1000ths)

     [Angular Precisions]    Angular-precision parameters (in degrees):
     Ellipse=value           Ellipse resolution [5]
     DotStep=value           Dotted ellipse/circle spacing [5]
     ArcStep=value           Arc increment [5]
     Rotate=value            Object/diagram rotation increment [1]
     Advance=value           Revolved surface initial rotation [-2]
     Revolve=value           Revolved surface resolution [10]
     PolyStep=value          DXF Export ellipse-to-polyline resolution [5]



     Initialization (INI) File Format (continued)
     --------------------------------------------

     [Line Types]            Specified for each named line type:
     name=n,n,n,n,n,n        Line type definition (up to six on-off segment
                             lengths)

     [Fill Patterns]         Specified for each of the 31 fill patterns
                             (xx = 01 through 31):
     Fillxx=n,n,n,n,n,n,n,n  Each fill pattern is defined by eight decimal
                             values (n), one for each row (top to bottom).
                             Each value (n) is the decimal value (0 to 255)
                             of the 8-bit pattern for that row.

     [Colors]                Current color scheme, from the default VGA
                             palette (0-63):
     Color0=value            Color 0 (Cyan)    definition [27]
     Color1=value            Color 1 (Green)   definition [18]
     Color2=value            Color 2 (Red)     definition [36]
     Color3=value            Color 3 (Orange)  definition [38]
     Color4=value            Color 4 (Blue)    definition [9]
     Color5=value            Color 5 (White)   definition [63]
     Color6=value            Color 6 (Yellow)  definition [54]
     Color7=value            Color 7 (Magenta) definition [45]
     Background=value        Screen background color [24]


     [Interrupt Log]         Contents of the processor registers at the
                             last program-detected error (write-only):
     register=value          Specified for each register

     [DXF HEADER]            DXF export header variables:
     variable=value          Specified for each header variable which is
                             not calculated automatically by MicroCAD.  For
                             additional information, refer to your AutoCAD
                             documentation.



     8.4   Image Capture (PCX) File Format
           -------------------------------

     The following describes the format of the file MICROCAD.PCX, which
     contains the diagram 'snapshot' image.  The format corresponds to
     version 3.0 of ZSoft's PC Paintbrush product, for 16-color images.

     The format is always 4-plane, run-length encoded.  The color map is
     computed to correspond exactly to the current object and background
     colors.   Clipped (PCC) format is used unless full-screen (640x480)
     image capture has been selected (see 6.5).

           Byte   Description
           ----   -----------
           0      0A    Manufacturer code: 10 = ZSoft
           1      05    Version: 5 = version 3.0
           2      01    Encoding: 1 = run-length encoded
           3      01    Bits-per-pixel per plane: 1
           4-5    0000  X minimum: 0
           6-7    0000  Y minimum: 0
           8-9    nnnn  X maximum: 639 (or less if clipped)
           10-11  nnnn  Y maximum: 479 (or less if clipped)
           12-13  nnnn  Horizontal resolution: 640 (or X maximum + 1)
           14-15  nnnn  Vertical resolution: 480 (or Y maximum + 1)
           16-63  xx... Color map: 16 three-byte [RGB] values (0-255)
           64     12    Video mode: 18
           65     04    Number of planes: 4
           66-67  nnnn  Bytes per scan line per plane: 80 (or less)
           68-69  0001  Color palette information present: 1 = yes
           70-71  0000  Scanner horizontal resolution (not used)
           72-73  0000  Scanner vertical resolution (not used)
           74-127 00... Reserved (zero)
           128+   xx... Up to 1920 (480x4) run-length encoded scan lines



     8.5   DXF Import Technical Notes
           --------------------------

     DXF entities are converted to objects as follows:


           DXF Entity                       Object Type
           ----------                       -----------

           POINT                            Point

           LINE or 3DLINE                   Line

           POLYLINE or TRACE                Line(s) (grouped)

           CIRCLE                           Ellipse (circle)

           ARC                              Ellipse (semi-circle)

           SOLID or 3DFACE                  Line(s)

           TEXT                             Text


     The import diagram may contain up to 256 layers and up to 256 blocks.

     All layers are set to 'ON' status.

     Each block insert is assigned as a separate object group.

     Line type definitions are not supported, but blocks or objects may use
     the standard AutoCAD line type names.

     The standard AutoCAD colors (1-7) are converted to the corresponding
     colors in the default scheme.

     Duplicate (identical) lines are removed during the import process.



     8.6   DXF Export Technical Notes
           --------------------------

     The DXF export format corresponds to AutoCAD Release 11.  Specific
     implementation details are as follows:


     HEADER Section
     --------------

     The EXTMIN, EXTMAX, LIMMIN and LIMMAX variables are set according to
     the diagram extents.

     The TDCREATE and TDUPDATE variables are set according to the diagram
     modification date and time.

     The CLAYER variable is set according to the current color.

     The ORTHOMODE variable is set 'ON' in oblique or isometric modes.

     The AXISMODE variable is set 'ON' if the axis lines are on.

     The GRIDMODE variable is set 'ON' if the grid is on.

     The GRIDUNIT variables are set according to the current grid size.

     All dimensioning variables are omitted.

     All other header variables are set according to the values specified
     in MICROCAD.INI.



     TABLES Section
     --------------

     Line types CONTINUOUS, DASHED, HIDDEN, CENTER, PHANTOM, DOT, DASHDOT,
     BORDER and DIVIDE are defined.

     Eight layers are defined: COLOR1 through COLOR8.  The layer colors
     are defined according to the actual diagram colors, using the
     nearest standard AutoCAD colors.

     The reference flag is set for layers in actual use.

     The default line type is CONTINUOUS in all layers.  The default line
     type is overridden, by entity, for other object line types.

     Text style 'STANDARD' is defined.

     The following tables are present but empty: VPORT, VIEW, DIMSTYLE,
     UCS, APPID.


     BLOCKS Section
     --------------

     The BLOCKS section contains all grouped objects.  Block names are
     assigned as GROUP1, GROUP2, etc.  All grouped objects are converted as
     described in the ENTITIES section.



     ENTITIES Section
     ----------------

     3D export ignores all view rotations and projection.  All objects are
     exported in full 3D coordinates (X,Y,Z).

     2D export applies all view rotations and projection.  The rotated and
     projected objects are exported as 2D images (all Z coordinates zero).

     Objects are converted to DXF entities as follows.  Note that revolved
     surfaces may not be exported in DXF format.

          Object Type                      2D Export      3D Export
          -----------                      ---------      ---------

          Point                            POINT          POINT

          Line                             LINE           LINE

          Rectangle or Triangle            LINE (4 or 3)  POLYLINE

          Rectangle or Triangle (filled)   SOLID          3DFACE

          Circle                           CIRCLE         CIRCLE

          Circle (rotated)                 POLYLINE       POLYLINE

          Circle (isometric)               POLYLINE       CIRCLE

          Semi-Circle                      ARC            ARC

          Semi-Circle (rotated)            POLYLINE       POLYLINE

          Semi-Circle (isometric)          POLYLINE       ARC

          Ellipse (all)                    POLYLINE       POLYLINE

          3D Box                           LINE (12)      3DFACE (6)

          Text                             TEXT           TEXT

          [dimensions]                     TEXT           (none)