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Amigaguide Document
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1996-04-07
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50KB
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1,373 lines
@database "BlitzBlank.guide"
@Node MAIN "BlitzBlank 2.60 16.05.95"
B L I T Z B L A N K 2 . 6 0
@{" What is BlitzBlank? (Features) " link P1}
@{" What BlitzBlank does " link P2}
@{" Requirements for BlitzBlank? " link P3}
@{" Installation " link P4}
@{" BlitzBlank and BlitzBlankPrefs " link P5}
@{" The GUI of BlitzBlankPrefs " link P6}
@{" Menus of BlitzBlankPrefs " link P7}
@{" ARexx commands " link P8}
@{" Amiga OS Key shortcuts " link P9}
@{" Terminating BlitzBlank " link P10}
@{" Randomizer " link randomgen}
@{" Tooltypes/CLI-Parameters " link parameter}
@{" Technical stuff " link P11}
@{" Problems? " link P12}
@{" Graphic Cards " link P13}
@{" Bugs? Ideas for improvement? " link P14}
@{" Author " link P15}
@{" Copyright/Warranty/Cost " link P16}
@{" Thanks go to... " link P17}
@{" History " link P18}
@{" MUI " link mui}
@{" Modules " link modules}
@{" Moduleauthors " link modauthors}
@{" New modules? " link newmods}
@endnode
@node P1 "What is BlitzBlank?"
Description of BlitzBlank:
--------------------------
Well, another screen saver. But this one's got these features:
- AGA/OS 3.0 compatibel
- most modules are graphic card compatible
- modular (soon more Modules) concept
- lots of useful options
- lots of funny modules
- build in mouseblanker (timed or by keystroke)
- nice GUI (style-guide-compliant)
- build in screen mode requester (Commodore forgot in OS 2.0)
- ARexx-Interface
- fully system friendly
- it's own prefs-editor (BlitzBlankPrefs)
- automatic switch-back to black screen if a blanker stops due to heavy
CPU load
- won't crash if some nasty program opens it's window on the blankscreen
- mouse motion sensitivity adjustable
- "blank now"- and "blank never"-corner (adjustable size)
- monitors the joystick
- flexible random function
- Commodity
- every module can have it's own screen mode (if the module supports it)
- AmigaGuide documentation with context sensitiv help
- Reblanking (module screen will be pushed to front every 5 seconds)
@endnode
@node P2 "What BlitzBlank does"
BlitzBlank does:
----------------
- screen look enhancement (no burn in possible)
- mouse blanking
- entertainment
- makes other people drool ;)
@endnode
@node P3 "Requirements for BlitzBlank?"
BlitzBlank requirements:
------------------------
- an Amiga ;-))
- AmigaOS 2.04 or higher (anybody who still uses 1.3 is at a loss)
- @{" MUI " link mui} 2.3
- the following libraries must be present in the LIBS: directory:
* commodities.library
* rexxsyslib.library
* amigaguide.library
@endnode
@node P4 "Installation"
Installation Procedures are as follows:
---------------------------------------
Automatic Installation:
1. All previously installed versions of BlitzBlank must be deleted (incl.
modules).
2. Start the installation script by double-clicking the "Install" icon.
If you get the message "Installer not found" or a similar one you have
to copy the Installer program from you AmigaOS Install-Disc to your
harddisk into the C: (SYS:C/) directory. If the installer script still
won't work you should follow the manual installation procedure.
3. Follow the instructions and answer the questions of the installer.
Usually you will only have to select "proceed".
Manual Installation:
1. All previously installed versions of BlitzBlank must be deleted (incl.
modules).
2. Copy BlitzBlank to SYS:WBStartup.
3. Copy the BlitzBlank drawer wherever you like.
4. Copy Locale/Catalogs/english/blitzblank.catalog to
Locale:Catalogs/english/ (AmigaOS 2.1 or higher must be installed)
5. You CAN copy BlitzBlankPrefs to SYS:PREFS but you don't have to.
If you do BlitzBlank.guide should be copied to S:.
6. Copy Libs/iff.library and Libs/blitzblank.library to LIBS:.
7. Start BlitzBlankPrefs.
8. Enter the path to the modules in the appropriate field (either you
enter it manually or you can use a file-requestor by clicking the
gadget at the side of the word "Modulepath".
9. Click SAVE.
10. Start BlitzBlank.
11. If a 68020/030/040 processor is present you can use the files from the
68020 directory. If an additional mathematic co-processor is present
you can add the files from 68020+FPU/ or 68040+FPU/.
BlitzBlankPrefs features a context-sensitive help i.e. by pressing the
HELP-key you'll get help concerning the object over which the mouse pointer
is positioned.
For this BlitzBlank.guide must be accessible for BlitzBlankPrefs.
@endnode
@node P5 "BlitzBlank and BlitzBlankPrefs"
BlitzBlank and BlitzBlankPrefs:
-------------------------------
BlitzBlank consists of several parts. The modules, BlitzBlank,
BlitzBlankPrefs and the blitzblank.library.
BlitzBlank is the essential blanker constantly running in the background
and starting the modules.
BlitzBlankPrefs is the preferences editor for BlitzBlank. With it you
determine which module will be started and which options will be used.
Blitzblank.library is the necessary library used by BlitzBlank to
communicate with the modules and to put usefull functions at the module's
disposal.
@endnode
@node P6 "GUI of BlitzBlankPrefs"
GUI of BlitzBlankPrefs:
-----------------------
All parts of the GUI can be manipulated with the mouse as well as
with the underlined letters (also with SHIFT).
Pressing the HELP-key while the mouse pointer is positioned over a certain
gadget invokes the online help regarding this gadget. Pressing the HELP-key
while configurating a module, the documentation regarding this module will
be displayed.
The GUI of BlitzBlankPrefs consists of the following parts:
@{" Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets " link close}
@{" Module-preferences " link moduleconfig}
@{" Mouse-preferences " link mouse}
@{" Options " link options}
@{" Corner-preferences " link corners}
@endnode
@node close "Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets"
Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets:
------------------------
@{" Save " link save}
@{" Use " link use}
@{" Cancel " link cancel}
@endnode
@node save "Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets"
Save:
-----
The current options will be saved permanently and BlitzBlankPrefs is stopped.
@endnode
@node use "Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets"
The current options will be used but not saved permanently. BlitzBlankPrefs
is stopped.
@endnode
@node cancel "Save/Use/Cancel-Gadgets"
Cancel:
-------
All options will be set back to defaults and BlitzBlankPrefs is stopped.
@endnode
@node moduleconfig "Module-preferences"
Module-preferences:
-------------------
@{" Module-list " link modulelist}
@{" Prefskey " link prefskey}
@{" Blankkey " link blankkey}
@{" Blanktime " link blanktime}
@{" Randomtime " link randomtime}
@{" ModPath " link modpath}
@{" ModPri " link modpri}
@{" Test " link test}
@{" Config " link config}
@endnode
@node modulelist "Module-preferences"
Module-list:
------------
This list contains all installed modules. If the only displayed module is the
built in module (@{" Blackout " link Blackout}) then the module path you entered is wrong.
You can chose your module by clicking on it. Doubleclicking the module
selects/deselects it for the @{" Randomizer " link randomgen}.
@endnode
@node prefskey "Module-preferences"
Prefskey:
---------
Here you can chose the key combination for invoking BlitzBlankPrefs. If these
keys are pressed simultaniously and BlitzBlank is active BlitzBlankPrefs will
be started.
@endnode
@node blankkey "Module-preferences"
Blankkey:
---------
Here you can chose the key combination for the instantenious blanking of the
screen. If BlitzBlank is active and these keys are pressed simultaniously
the chosen blank module will be started at once.
@endnode
@node blanktime "Module-preferences"
Blanktime:
----------
Here you can enter the time that must have passed without mouse movement,
keystroke, etc. before the blank module will be started. If you enter "0"
the blanker is turned off.
@endnode
@node randomtime "Module-preferences"
Randomtime:
-----------
Here you can chose the time of the duration of a single module if you have
selected the @{" Randomizer " link randomgen}. After this time the next module will be started.
If there are less than 2 modules diplayed in bold typeset in the module list
this field is not selectable. If you enter "0" there will be no switching of
modules during blanking.
@endnode
@node modpath "Module-preferences"
ModPath:
--------
Here you must enter the module path (e.g. "dh0:BlitzBlank/Modules/"). If you
enter the wrong path BlitzBlank won't be able to find the modules. By
clicking the little gadget at the side of the field (or by entering CTRL-P)
the filerequester will be started.
@endnode
@node modpri "Module-preferences"
Modpri:
-------
Here you can chose the task priority of the BlitzBlank modules. If you select
a priority less than 0 then it's more likely that the module will be halted
instead of sucking processing time away from other programs. If the module
should stop for some time BlitzBlank will automatically switch to a black
screen (if @{" Watch CPU " link watch} is selected) so the stopped module's graphic won't
burn in.
@endnode
@node test "Module-preferences"
Test:
-----
If you click this gadget BlitzBlankPrefs will transmit the currently
selected options to BlitzBlank and makes BlitzBlank start the current
module. This way you can test changes instantly. Of course this will only
work if BlitzBlank is previously started (if it wasn't a message will be
displayed).
@endnode
@node config "Module-preferences"
Config:
-------
This gadget opens the options window of the currently selected @{" Module " link modules}.
Pressing the HELP-key in this window will display the module's
documentation.
The following non module specific options are available:
Save - The current preferences will be saved
Test - Test the current preferences
Screen - Select the screen mode for this module
Info - About the module
Presets - Reset the preferences to default values
Cancel - Leave the window without saving
These options are not available in all modules.
@endnode
@node mouse "Mouse-preferences"
Mouse-preferences:
------------------
@{" Fuzzy " link fuzzy}
@{" #Keys " link keys}
@{" Time " link mousetime}
@endnode
@node fuzzy "Mouse-preferences"
Fuzzy:
------
Here you can adjust the mouse motion sensitivity. If you set it to "0" then
even the slightest tremor is enough to switch off the blanker. If you set
it to "20" you can even drum your fingers on the mouse without the blanker
being turned off.
@endnode
@node keys "Mouse-preferences"
#Keys:
------
This slider determines after how many key strokes the mouse will be
blanked. You must take into account the fact that the press AND the release
of a key are regarded as TWO keypresses. If the slider value is "0" the
mouse won't be blanked by keystrokes.
@endnode
@node mousetime "Mouse-preferences"
Time:
-----
Here you can chose how much time in seconds will pass until the mouse is
blanked. A mouseclick or a mouse movement will reset the timer. A "0" will
make sure that the mouse won't be blanked due to a timer.
@endnode
@node options "Options"
Options:
--------
@{" Watch CPU " link watch}
@{" Pass Key " link passkey}
@{" Joystick-Check " link joystick}
@endnode
@node watch "Options"
Watch CPU:
----------
This aktivates the CPU load watch of BlitzBlank. It is responsible for the
switch-back to a black 320x200 screen with 1 bitplane if the blanker stops
due to a heavy CPU load of another task.
@endnode
@node passkey "Options"
Pass Key:
---------
If this option is activated the key that caused the blanker to stop will be
passed thru to the previously activated window. If it is deactivated the
key will directly go to heaven.
Example: Before the blanking an editor was activated. As the timer reaches
zero BlitzBlank starts the blankmodule. Now the module is stopped
because you pressed the "G"-key. If the option is activated the
blanker stops and the "G" appears in the editor window. If the
option was deactivated the blanker stops and the editor window
appears without the "G".
@endnode
@node joystick "Options"
Joystick-Check:
---------------
This option switches the joystick monitoring on and off. If it is
activated joystick action (just like mouse action) will turn off the
blanking or reset the blank timer.
Due to possible problems with some games (until now none were reported)
this option can be turned off.
If you use a dongle (for Real 3D for example), you should turn off
this option.
@endnode
@node corners "Corner-preferences"
Corner-preferences:
-------------------
@{" Size " link cornersize}
@{" Blank Now " link blanknow}
@{" Blank Never " link blanknever}
@endnode
@node cornersize "Corner-preferences"
Size:
-----
Here you can adjust the size of the corners for the blank-now and
blank-never option. If the value is set to "1" the mouse pointer has to be
exactly over the cornerpixel for the option to be activated.
@endnode
@node blanknow "Corner-preferences"
Blank Now:
----------
Here you chose one (or none) of the four corners of the screen. If the
mouse pointer is moved to this position and stays there for a moment the
screen will be blanked at once.
@endnode
@node blanknever "Corner-preferences"
Blank Never:
------------
Here you chose one (or none) of the four corners of the screen. If the
mouse pointer is moved to this position and stays there for a moment the
screen will never be blanked. The blank timer (@{" Blanktime " link blanktime}) is stopped.
@endnode
@node P7 "Menus of BlitzBlankPrefs"
Menus of BlitzBlankPrefs:
-------------------------
All menue items can also be activated with the key combination that can be
found at their side.
Project/Open:
Loads a previously saved configuration.
Project/Save As:
Saves the current configuration under a selectable name.
Project/About:
Shows informations/copyright.
Project/Quit:
Quit BlitzBlankPrefs without saving the current configuration.
Edit/Reset To Defaults:
Resets BlitzBlank with the default values.
Edit/Last Saved:
Activates the previously saved configuration.
Edit/Restore:
Activates the configuration selected at BlitzBlankPrefs startup.
Settings/Create Icons?:
Determines if an icon is saved with the config-file.
Action/Stop BlitzBlank:
This quits BlitzBlank (not BlitzBlankPrefs).
@endnode
@node P8 "ARexx commands"
ARexx commands:
---------------
BlitzBlank offers an ARexx port (Name: "BLITZBLANK") with which one can
control BlitzBlank and change the configuration temporarily. The following
instructions are implemented:
Quits BlitzBlank.
BLANK
BlitzBlank starts the current blank module at once.
UNBLANK
BlitzBlank stops the running blank module at once.
RELOAD
Configuration is reloaded.
MODULE=modulename
The name for the current module is selected.
Similar to selecting in the @{" Module-list " link modulelist}.
RANDOMMODULES=Modulname,Modulname,Modulname
The modules for the @{" Randomizer " link randomgen} are selected.
Similar to double clicking in the @{" Module-list " link modulelist}.
PREFSKEY=key
Selects the key combination for BlitzBlankPrefs start.
Similar to the @{" Prefskey " link prefskey} gadget.
BLANKKEY=key
Selects the key combination to start the blank module at once.
Similar to the @{" Blankkey " link blankkey} gadget.
BLANKTIME=sec
Selects the time that will pass till the blank module is started.
Similar to the @{" Blanktime " link blanktime} gadget.
RANDOMTIME=sec
Selects the time a single module runs in the randomizer mode.
Similar to the @{" Randomtime " link randomtime}.
PATH=path
Selects the path to the modules.
Similar to the @{" ModPath " link modpath} gadget.
MODPRI=num
Selects the module's task priority.
Similar to the @{" ModPri " link modpri} slider.
FUZZY=num
Selects the sensitivity regarding mouse motion during blanking.
Similar to the @{" Fuzzy " link fuzzy} slider.
KEYSTROKES=num
Selects the number of keys till the mouse pointer is blanked.
Similar to the @{" #Keys " link keys} slider.
MOUSETIME=sec
Selects the time that will pass till the mouse pointer is blanked.
Similar to the @{" Time " link mousetime} field.
WATCHCPU=YES|NO
Determines whether the CPU load is monitored during blanking or not.
Similar to the @{" Watch CPU " link watch} option.
PASSKEY=YES|NO
Determines if, after the blanking is stopped, the key will be passed
through or not.
Similar to the @{" Pass Key " link passkey} option.
JOYSTICK=YES|NO
Determines whether the joystick is monitored or not.
Similar to the @{" Joystick-Check " link joystick} option.
CORNERSIZE=num
Selects the @{" Size " link cornersize} of the corners.
BLANKNOW=NONE|UPPERLEFT|UPPERRIGHT|LOWERLEFT|LOWERRIGHT
The blank-now corner is selected. Description can be found in @{" Blank Now " link blanknow}.
BLANKNEVER=NONE|UPPERLEFT|UPPERRIGHT|LOWERLEFT|LOWERRIGHT
The blank-never corner is selected. Description can be found in @{" Blank Never " link blanknever}.
DISABLE
Similar to "Disable" in commodities exchange and deactivates BlitzBlank
ENABLE
Similar to "Enable" in commodities exchange and reactivates BlitzBlank
after a DISABLE.
DEBUG
Starts the current module in a way that it can be only aborted with the
UNBLANK Arexx instruction.
Examples:
rx "ADDRESS 'BLITZBLANK' 'MODULE=Fade'"
(The fade module is configured)
rx "ADDRESS 'BLITZBLANK' 'BLANK'"
(Blanking starts at once)
rx "ADDRESS 'BLITZBLANK' 'BLANKTIME=0'"
(Blanker is deactivated)
rx "ADDRESS 'BLITZBLANK' 'MOUSETIME=5'"
(The mouse pointer will be blanked after 5 seconds of inactivity)
@endnode
@node P9 "Key shortcuts"
AmigaOS Key shortcuts:
----------------------
AmigaOS uses certain terms to describe key combinations. These are used in
BlitzBlank to describe the prefskey and the blankkey.
Selektion key:
ctrl = CTRL-key
lshift = left SHIFT-key
rshift = right SHIFT-key
lalt = left ALT-key
ralt = right ALT-key
lcommand = left AMIGA-key
rcommand = right AMIGA-key
Other keys:
esc = ESC-key
help = HELP-key
f1 bis f10 = F1- to F10-key
a bis z = alpha-keys
0 bis 9 = numeric-keys
To describe a certain key combination any number of
selection key + other key are valid.
Examples:
ctrl esc
ctrl alt f1
lshift lalt a
ctrl lalt ralt help
@endnode
@node P10 "Terminating BlitzBlank"
Terminating BlitzBlank:
-----------------------
- Within BlitzBlankPrefs with the menue item ....
- Start BlitzBlank a second time and answer the requester with "yes"
- With the ARexx instruction QUIT
- With the commodities exchange program of the workbench
@endnode
@node randomgen "Randomizer"
Randomizer:
-----------
BlitzBlank has a build in randomizer.
It can be activated if at least 2 modules of the @{" Module-list " link modulelist} are selected
with a doubleclick (the name then is displayed in a bold typeset).
Then the blank module to start is selected from the list of the bold
displayed modules instead of the normaly selected (selected for random
display = bold, normal selected = blue).
If at least 2 modules are selected (to select less makes obviously no
sense) und a @{" Randomtime " link randomtime} >0 is additionaly entered the modules will be
switched during blanking.
@endnode
@node parameter "Tooltypes/CLI-Parameters"
Tooltypes/CLI-Parameters:
-------------------------
BlitzBlank recognizes the following parameters:
CX_PRIORITY=num
Determines the commodity's priority. Should be 1.
BlitzBlankPrefs accepts the common parameters:
Tooltypes:
CREATEICONS=YES|NO
ACTION=USE|SAVE
CLI-Parameters:
@endnode
@node P11 "Technical stuff"
Some technical information about BlitzBlank:
--------------------------------------------
- BlitzBlankPrefs uses the same look as the system prefs.
- BlitzBlank is a commodity and supports the usual commodity tooltypes.
- BlitzBlank uses a second task to determine if the module has stopped due
to heavy CPU load. This causes BlitzBlank to switch to a completely black
screen.
- BlitzBlankPrefs is completely controlable with the keyboard.
- BlitzBlank's screenmode requester is fully font sensitiv and (contrary to
the OS 2.1/3.x ASL-requester) controlable with the keyboard.
- BlitzBlank is the result of more than a year development.
- BlitzBlank and all supplied programs have been tested with Enforcer and
Mungwall and didn't lose any memory during tests.
- BlitzBlank and BlitzBlankPrefs can be started from shell.
- BlitzBlank uses almost no CPU time (0.010% on an A4000). If the mouse
blanker is not activated it uses non at all. Even if the mouse is moved
the used CPU time is very low.
@endnode
@node P12 "Problems?"
Possible Problems:
------------------
Problem: BlitzBlank doesn't work at all.
Solution: AmigaOS 2.04 or higher isn't installed.
Problem: Some modules won't work.
Solution: Not enough memory.
Problem: Configurations are not saved properly and XPK/XFH is in use.
Solution: Install the most recent XPK/XFH version.
Problem: BlitzBlank, BlitzBlankPrefs or a module crashes.
Solution: Contact the author.
@endnode
@node P13 "Graphic Cards"
BlitzBlank and Graphic Cards:
-----------------------------
BlitzBlank has been tested with the PicassoII and Piccolo. The following
must be regarded if you intend to use a graphic card screen:
- The "Nasty" option should be turned off with the Spot and Tiles module.
- You shouldn't use more than one spot in the Spot module.
- The "buffering" option should not be used since double buffering is
either very slow or won't work at all with graphic cards.
- Some modules will crash if you are using EGS 7.1 (Piccolo) and you are
running the module on a Piccolo screen. Since these problems didn't show
up when we were running a quick test with the CyberGfx 40.40 system (on
the same setup) it seems like EGS 7.1 is the problem and not the modules.
@endnode
@node P14 "Bugs? Ideas for improvment?"
Bugs and ideas for improvment:
------------------------------
If there should occure any errors please contact the @{" Author " link P15} with a
detailed description of the error and your machine configuation (model, OS version,
additional hardware, etc.).
The same applies to all kinds of ideas and comments.
@endnode
@node P15 "Author"
Author:
-------
Thomas B
Gartenstr. 16
D-76761 R
lzheim
Germany
Mailbox: Amiga Inside II, ++49-7272-76611 (07272/76611)
FIDO: Thomas Boerkel, 2:2476/541.0
Usenet: Thomas_Boerkel@amiga_inside2.schiele-ct.de
Amiganet: Thomas Boerkel, 39:173/60.0
KAMInet: Thomas Boerkel, 82:100/7.0
Rally-Box: Tom
@endnode
@node P16 "Copyright/Warranty"
Copyright and warranty:
-----------------------
BlitzBlank and BlitzBlankPrefs are copyright 1993-95 by Thomas B
rkel.
BlitzBlank is GIFTware. If you like it you can send me a gift (money etc.)
or at least write a postcard or a mail. But this is not a must.
It is prohibited to supply BlitzBlank with commercial products or with
PD/FD disks with a price higher then DM 3.-/US$2.
BlitzBlank may be supplied on the Aminet/Fish/Saar-AG CDs.
BlitzBlank may be freely copied but no part may be altered.
BlitzBlank may only be copied as a complete and unchanged archive.
BlitzBlank must not be sold with profit.
The sourcecodes are only supplied to give you an idea how to program
certain modules. They may not be used in another package without the prior
agreement of the respective authors. The same applies for the graphics.
There is NO warranty for BlitzBlank. The use of BlitzBlank is at your own
risk. The author is in NO way responsible for ANY damage inflicted by
BlitzBlank.
The same applies for the BlitzBlank modules.
@endnode
@node P17 "Thanks go to..."
Thanks go to:
-------------
My special thanks go to:
Alexander Wiggert for betatests, ideas, tips and pushing me forwards ;-))))
Also for the the english translation of the documentation!
Dirk Farin for ideas and many modules! :-)))
Kenneth Fribert for bugreports, ideas and the danish translation.
rgen Denner for betatests, advice, the idea for Lines and for Splines.
Also to (in alphabetical order):
- Matthias Bock for betatests, tips
- Wolfgang B
rkel for the mathematical background for Pyro
- Ex-Commodore-people for the Amiga and it's mighty operation system
- Brian Larson for bugreports
- Mark Rose for betatests and the MagicWB icons
- Stefan Scholl for betatests
- Mathias Supp for betatests and ideas
- Christian A. Weber for the iff.library
- Peter Wenz for betatests
@endnode
@node P18 "History"
History of BlitzBlank:
----------------------
V1.00:
------
First public release.
V1.01:
------
Bugfix for 1.00.
V2.00:
------
Version for the programing contest of a german Amiga magazine.
Unfortunately it didn't win and was never published.
V2.50:
------
- Almost totally rewritten.
- MUI-GUI.
- Modules are significantly shorter.
- New options.
- Significantly more stable.
- Less CPU time consuming.
- Splitted in blanker and prefs
- Arexx port.
- Many new modules.
V2.50a:
-------
- Enforcer-Hit in BB.Lines killed
- Minimum screen depth for BB.Radar set to 3 (crash with 2)
V2.50b:
-------
- Black screen between the modules in randommode has the correct overscan
dimensions, black border and correct ModeID
- Fast Unblank even with heavy CPU
V2.60:
------
*BlitzBlank:
- BlitzBlank ported to C (-> shorter and faster)
- Fuzzy Mouse bug killed: Works better now
- Default Blank/Mousetime is correct
- Mouseblanking is 100% compatible to the Commodore Mouseblanker
- Tooltype/Parameter NASTYMOUSEBLANK no longer exists
- Reblank function added, currently set to 5 seconds
- Blackout works correct in randommode
- If a module cannot be found, Blackout is used instead
- WB will not be examined if not really necessary (and opened therefore)
- Internal bugfixes and changes
*BlitzBlankPrefs:
- BBPrefs crashed when quitting, if there was no .info
- Cleaned up ARexx routine of BBPrefs
- Fuzzy Mouse is adjustable between 0 and 30
- Selected modules will always be saved when clicking Use/Save
*Modules:
- Clock has the right priority earlier in analog mode
- 24h-mode in Clock/Digital can really be switched off
- Slideshow also scans subdirectories
- Lines has a better palette
- Delay in Lines implemented
- Clock, Mosaic, Spot, Tiles, Worms have a correct aspect ratio
- Snow has a new parameter (max. snowheight)
- Noise and Fountain are fading out in randommode
- New modules: ASwarm, FlyingToaster, Fractal, Goats, Gravity, Maze, Plasma,
Skyline, StarField, TicTacToe
*blitzblank.library:
- Interrupting blanking with the right mousebutton no longer holds the
modulescreen
- New library functions: BBL_RainbowPalette(), BBL_RemainingTime(),
BBL_CloneFirstScreen()
- New variables in BB_Screeninfo: xpixelsize, ypixelsize
- locale strings were freed to early
@endnode
@node mui "MUI"
This application uses
MUI - MagicUserInterface
(c) Copyright 1993/94 by Stefan Stuntz
MUI is a system to generate and maintain graphical user interfaces. With
the aid of a preferences program, the user of an application has the
ability to customize the outfit according to his personal taste.
MUI is distributed as shareware. To obtain a complete package containing
lots of examples and more information about registration please look for
a file called "muiXXusr.lha" (XX means the latest version number) on
your local bulletin boards or on public domain disks.
If you want to register directly, feel free to send
DM 30.- or US$ 20.-
to
Stefan Stuntz
Eduard-Spranger-Stra
80935 M
nchen
GERMANY
@endnode
@node modules "Modules"
Every module (except Blackout) has it's own preferences window.
Pressing the HELP-key in this window will display the module's
documentation.
The following non module specific options are available:
Save - The current preferences will be saved
Test - Test the current preferences
Screen - Select the screen mode for this module
Info - About the module
Presets - Reset the preferences to default values
Cancel - Leave the window without saving
These options are not available in all modules.
The following modules are included:
-----------------------------------
@{" Blackout " link Blackout}
@{" AmigaSign " link AmigaSign}
@{" ASwarm " link Aswarm}
@{" Butterfly " link Butterfly}
@{" Clock " link Clock}
@{" Crumble " link Crumble}
@{" Dissolve " link Dissolve}
@{" Electric " link Electric}
@{" Execute " link Execute}
@{" Fade " link Fade}
@{" Flash " link Flash}
@{" FlyingToaster " link FlyingToaster}
@{" Fountain " link Fountain}
@{" Fractal " link Fractal}
@{" Goats " link Goats}
@{" Gravity " link Gravity}
@{" Guru " link Guru}
@{" Life " link Life}
@{" Lines " link Lines}
@{" Mandel " link Mandel}
@{" Maze " link Maze}
@{" Melt " link Melt}
@{" Mosaic " link Mosaic}
@{" Noise " link Noise}
@{" PatternCycling " link PatternCycling}
@{" Plasma " link Plasma}
@{" Pyro " link Pyro}
@{" Radar " link Radar}
@{" Skyline " link Skyline}
@{" Slideshow " link Slideshow}
@{" Snow " link Snow}
@{" Splines " link Splines}
@{" Spot " link Spot}
@{" StarField " link StarField}
@{" Text " link Text}
@{" TicTacToe " link TicTacToe}
@{" Tiles " link Tiles}
@{" Tunnel " link Tunnel}
@{" Worms " link Worms}
@{" Worms2 " link Worms2}
@endnode
@node Blackout "Blackout"
Blackout:
---------
This is the build in blank module of BlitzBlank. It's always available. It
just opens a black 320x200x1 screen in the mode of the frontmost screen.
@endnode
@node AmigaSign "AmigaSign"
AmigaSign:
----------
The famous Amiga symbol flies over the screen and rotates.
Parameters:
Movement - In which direction the symbol should fly
Rotspeed - How fast the symbol should rotate (0=normal speed)
Speed - How fast the symbol should fly
Buffering - Switches the Double-Buffering on/off
AmigaSign is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
Graphics are by Alexander Wiggert
@endnode
@node ASwarm "ASwarm"
ASwarm:
-------
Bees and wasps fly around. The bees chase the wasps.
Parameters:
Speed - How fast they fly
Color - Colorcycling yes/no
Aim - Where the bees aim
Bees - Number of bees
Wasps - Number of wasps
Bee Accel - Acceleration of the bees
Wasp Accel - Acceleration of the wasps
Original source by Alexander Kneer and Michael D. Bayne.
Ported to BlitzBlank by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Butterfly "Butterfly"
Butterfly:
----------
Colorful butterflies are fluttering over the screen.
Parameters:
Butterflies - Number of butterflies
Minimum Speed - The minimum speed of a butterfly
Maximum Speed - The maximum speed of a butterfly
Wing Speed - The speed of the fluttering of the wings
Buffering - Switches Double-Buffering on/off
Butterfly is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
Graphics are by Asha Develder.
@endnode
@node Clock "Clock"
Clock:
------
This module shows either an analogous or digital clock on the screen.
General Parameters:
Movement - In which direction the clock should fly
Speed - How fast the clock should fly
Seconds - Switches the seconds on/off
Buffering - Switches the Double-Buffering on/off
Optimizer - Always tries to draw the least possible number of points
Analogous Parameters:
Size - Size of the clock in percent of the screen size
Circle - Draw the outer circle yes/no
Digital Parameters:
Font - Which font should be used (even proportional and color
fonts are usable)
Color - Color (if it isn't a color font)
24h - 12/24 hour display
Cache - Calculate in advance
(faster, but uses more CHIP-RAM)
Clock is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Crumble "Crumble"
Crumble:
--------
This module "crumbles" the current screen from top to bottom.
Parameters:
Speed - How fast the screen will be crumbled
Dark Background - A dark background will remain
Brightness - The screen's brightness during the effect
Delay - Delay till the brigthness is reached
Crumble is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Dissolve "Dissolve"
Dissolve:
---------
The front-screen (Workbench) will slowly dissolve.
parameter:
speed [1-5000] number of pixels to be removes per frame.
version 1.0
Dissolve is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Electric "Electric"
Electric:
---------
High voltage in your monitor.
parameter:
details [10-100] the higher the better but the slower
version 1.1
Electric is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Execute "Execute"
Execute:
--------
This module executes a program. It MUST be breakable with CTRL-C or CTRL-D
or must terminate itself.
Parameters:
Execute - Path and name of the program to execute
Arguments - Parameter for the program
Stack - Stacksize (default is 4000)
CTRL-C - Program will be stopped with CTRL-C
CTRL-D - Program will be stopped with CTRL-D
Final Command - This command will be executed at break time
(optional)
Execute is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Fade "Fade"
Fade:
-----
This module fades out the current screen smoothly. AGA/OS 3.0 is supported
(smoother fading).
Parameters:
Brightness - The remaining screen brightness
Delay - Delay till the brigthness is reached
Fade is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Flash "Flash"
Flash:
------
This module displays a thunderstorm on the screen.
Parameters:
Flashes - The maximum number of flashes
Highlight - The Background will flash with the flashes
Flash is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node FlyingToaster "FlyingToaster"
FlyingToaster:
--------------
Toasters are flying around your screen.
Parameters:
Toasters - Number of toasters
Speed - How fast the toasters fly
Original source & gfx by Gernot Reisinger and Michael D. Bayne.
Ported to BlitzBlank by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Fountain "Fountain"
Fountain:
---------
Points flying over the screen.
parameters:
points [10-500] how many points
spread [10-100] how much it will spread horizontally
note:
screen modes with 2 or 3 planes are sufficient.
version 1.2
Fountain is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Fractal "Fractal"
Fractal:
--------
Fractals will be drawn on the screen.
Original source by Olaf Seibert and Alexander Kneer.
Ported to BlitzBlank by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Goats "Goats"
Goats:
------
Simulation of herders and goats on your screen.
Parameters:
Delay - Global speed
Herders - Number of herders, which plant grass
Goats - Number of goats
Reproduction - Reproduction
Screen - Use new screen or top screen
Original source by Steve Akers.
Ported to BlitzBlank by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Gravity "Gravity"
Gravity:
--------
Draws some points that behave like equally charged masses.
parameters:
number of points [2-30] how many points are flying around
attraction [0-20] the strength of the gravitation
distraction [0-10] the strength of the charge
point size [1-3] how big the points should be drawn
(useful for high screen-resolutions)
remark:
a fast (co)processor is recommended!
version 1.0
Gravity is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Guru "Guru"
Guru:
-----
The loved Guru appears.
parameters:
none
version 1.1
Guru is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Life "Life"
Life:
-----
Simulates the game of life.
parameters:
resolution [10-100] the number of squares horizontally
across the screen
refreshdelay [10-500] time delay between a new start with
a new random pattern
version 1.1
Life is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Lines "Lines"
Lines:
------
This module draws colored lines on the screen. The idea was from J
Denner.
Parameters:
Lines - Number of lines
Lines is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Mandel "Mandel"
Mandel:
-------
Draws pictures of the Mandelbrot-set.
remark:
a fast processor is recommended!
version 1.0
Mandel is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Maze "Maze"
Maze:
-----
Creates a maze and finds a way out of it.
Parameters:
Cell Size - Width of the ways
Solve Delay - How fast the solution will be found
Multicolored Trail - Leave a multicolored trail
Original source by Michael D. Bayne.
Ported to BlitzBlank by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Melt "Melt"
Melt:
-----
This module "melts" the current screen.
Parameter:
Speed - How fast the effect will run
Size - Width of the melt units
Refresh cycle - Delay till the screen will be refreshed
Brightness - The remaining brightness
Delay - Delay till the brightness is reached
Melt is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Mosaic "Mosaic"
Mosaic:
-------
This module "mosaics" the current screen.
Parameters:
Speed - How fast the effect will run
Size - Size of the rectangles
Refresh cycle - Delay till the screen will be refreshed
Brightness - The remaining brightness
Delay - Delay till the brightness is reached
Mosaic is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Noise "Noise"
Noise:
------
Creates white noise on your monitor, as it can be seen on tv-sets.
parameters:
brightness [0-100] how many percent of the screen will be white
note:
The more colors, the better the effect.
version 1.2
Noise is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node PatternCycling "PatternCycling"
PatternCycling:
---------------
Draws some nice color-patterns and applies color-cycling
to them.
parameters:
rings, bars, waves selects which patterns will be drawn.
speed [-10 - 10] selects speed and direction of
color-cycling.
change [0-300] time between new patterns
(0 means no change)
remark:
OS 3.0 and a 256-color-screen recommended.
version 1.0
PatternCycling is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Plasma "Plasma"
Plasma (Written in BlitzBasic ][)
======---------------------------
Draws a plasma like pattern using your chosen screenmode and number of
colours, and then cycles the colours so that the plasma moves.
Parameters:
Pattern Type - The pattern type just alters the palette used
to create the plasma. The choices are:
Plasma, Clouds, Electrical. Rather than explaining
them, just look at it.
Colour Cycle Rate - The rate at which the colours are cycled, ranging
from Very Fast to Slow.
Brightness - The brightness level of the palette, ranging from 0 which
is the least bright, to 4 which is very bright.
Screen Mode - Choice of screenmode is very important with this
module. For higher resolution screenmodes it takes
a long time to draw the pattern. Lower resolutions
still look really good, and don't take nearly so long.
The number of colours make a negligable difference to
the time taken to draw the pattern, and more colours
look MUCH better.
Plasma is Copyright by @{" Daniel Pink " link DanielPink}.
@endnode
@node Pyro "Pyro"
Pyro:
-----
This module diplays a firework on the screen. The mathematical
background for this module is from Wolfgang B
rkel.
Parameter:
Flares - Number of flares
Double pixels - Exploding flares are doubled
(flares can be seen better, but it's slower)
Pyro is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Radar "Radar"
Radar:
------
Showing a radar-screen.
parameters:
speed [2-100] speed of rotation
radar decay [1-4] decay rate of radar-beam
(1 - fast decay, 4 - slow decay)
object decay [1-10] decay rate of the objects
(1 - fast decay, 10 - visible till beam appears again)
objects [0-100] number of visible objects
version 1.1
Radar is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Skyline "Skyline"
Skyline:
--------
Draws some skyscrapers at evening (or night) with a
thunderstorm, stars, an airplane, shooting stars ...
parameters:
thunderstorm [0-9] how hard the thunderstorm is (0 - no thunderstorm)
airplane [0-9] how frequent airplanes can be seen
shooting star [0-9] how frequent shooting stars can be seen
warning light if an air-traffic warning light is on a skyscraper
stars [0-200] how many stars will be visible
sunlight [0-9] how much sunlight is still visible
thunder volume [0-64] volume of the thunder (0 for off)
version 1.1
Skyline is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
Idea, thunder-sound and some code by Jason Sonnenschein.
@endnode
@node Slideshow "Slideshow"
Slideshow:
----------
This module shows a slideshow.
The viewer must be interruptable with CTRL-C to be used with this module
(MultView from OS 3.0 doesnt't work, but the 3.1-version does).
Parameter:
Viewer - The viewer program
Parameter - Additional parameters for the viewer
Directory - The picture-directory
Pattern - Namepattern for the pictures (e.g. #?.IFF)
Stack - Stacksize for the viewer
Delay - Delay between two pictures
Buffering - Load the picture in the background
Note:
The buffer-option prevents the WorkBench from being displayed between
2 pictures and works best, if the viewer first loads the picture and
then brings it's screen to front.
Slideshow is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Snow "Snow"
Snow:
-----
Lots of snowflakes falling down and slowly building a layer of snow
at the bottom of the screen.
parameters:
snowflakes [10-500] number of snowflakes on screen
wind velocity [0-10] 0-no wind, 10-stormy
wind probability [0-100] what percentage of time there is wind
snow height [1-100] percentage of screen that will fill with snow
note:
screen modes with 2 or 3 planes are sufficient.
version 1.2
Snow is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Splines "Splines"
Splines:
--------
Splines draws spline curves on the screen.
Parameter:
Modes - Straight, Bouncing, Various
For every mode:
Fixpoints - Number of points in a curve
Splines - Number of Splines
Spline Speed - Speed of the Splines
Random Range - Time till the next random configuration takes place
Splines is Copyright by @{" J
rgen Denner " link J
rgenDenner}.
@endnode
@node Spot "Spot"
Spot:
-----
Moves spotlight(s) over the current screen.
Paramteres:
Speed - How fast the spots are moving
Spots - Number of spots
(if more than 1 are selected double-buffering will
be turned on automatically)
Size - Size of the spots
Brightness - The remaining screen brightness
Delay - Delay till the brightness is reached
Update - Screen underneath the spots will permanently be updated
Nasty - Use non system friendly routines
The "Nasty" option tries to make the movements of a single spot flicker
free. It's not system friendly and won't work with graphic cards. If there
are more than one spot selected the option has no meaning since
double-buffering is activ anyway.
Spot is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node StarField "StarField"
StarField:
----------
Flight through a starfield.
Parameters:
Stars - Number of stars
Speed - Speed of the flight
Color - Colored or grey stars
StarField is Copyright by @{" Matthias Bock " link MatthiasBock}.
Ported from Modula to C and from BB 1.x to BB 2.x by Thomas B
rkel.
@endnode
@node Text "Text"
Text:
-----
Shows text on the screen either as message or scrolling.
General parameters:
Font - Which font should be used
(even proportional and color fonts are usable)
Color - Color (if it isn't a color font)
Speed - How fast the text will be moved
Buffering - Switches double-buffering on/off
Scrolling-parameters:
Text - The text to be displayed
Position - Position of the text on the screen
Cache - Draw the text in advance
(faster, but uses more CHIP-RAM)
Message-parameters:
Movement - Direction of the text movement
Line 1-4 - The message to be diplayed. Lower lines that are
empty won't be displayed. If the message won't fit
on the screen with the selected font the module
won't do anything.
Text is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node TicTacToe "TicTacToe"
TicTacToe:
----------
The computer plays TicTacToe.
Parameters:
Size - Size of playfield
Delay - Delay between moves
Mode - Normal: There's a way to win.
Wargames: "Funny, the only way to win is not to play at all!"
Move - Playfield on differnt positions on screen.
TicTacToe is Copyright by @{" Stefan Scholl " link StefanScholl}.
@endnode
@node Tiles "Tiles"
Tiles:
------
Tiles splits the current screen into small pieces and moves them around
(simulates a well-known game).
Parameters:
Border - The border of the rectangles
Speed - The speed of the game
Size - The size of the rectangles in percent of the screen width
Nasty - Use non system friendly routines
Brightness - The remaining brightness of the screen
Delay - Delay till the brightness is reached
Note:
The option "Nasty" tries to make the motion smoother, but is not quite
system-compliant and doesn't work with graphic cards.
Tiles is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Tunnel "Tunnel"
Tunnel:
-------
Flight through a tunnel.
parameters:
speed - how fast you want to fly
rectangles - how many rectangles the tunnel has
length - the length of the tunnel
aspect - the aspect ratio of the tunnel rectangles
(10 means your monitors-aspect,
<10 is wider and >10 is taller)
x wabbel - how fast the tunnel will bend horizontally
y wabbel - how fast the tunnel will bend vertically
x amplitude - how much the tunnel will bend horizontally
y amplitude - how much the tunnel will bend vertically
version 1.0
Tunnel is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node Worms "Worms"
Worms:
------
Worms draws small, hungry worms on the current screen.
Parameters:
Worms - Number of worms
Lenght - Lenght of the worms
Size - Size of the worm segments
Brightness - The remaining screen brightness
Delay - Delay till the brightness is reached
Worms is Copyright by @{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}.
@endnode
@node Worms2 "Worms2"
Worms2:
-------
Colorful worms crawling over the screen.
parameters:
number of worms [1-50] how many
length [10-200] length of a worm
crazyness [3-30] crawl straight on or turn most time
speed [1-4] speed of the worms
note:
screen modes with 4 or 5 are best.
version 1.1
Worms2 is Copyright by @{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}.
@endnode
@node modauthors "Moduleauthors"
The modules of this release were programmed by the following authors:
@{" Thomas B
rkel " link P15}
@{" J
rgen Denner " link J
rgenDenner}
@{" Dirk Farin " link DirkFarin}
@{" Daniel Pink " link DanielPink}
@{" Stefan Scholl " link StefanScholl}
@{" Matthias Bock " link MatthiasBock}
@endnode
@node J
rgenDenner "Moduleauthors"
rgen Denner
Landstr. 116
D-69198 Schriesheim
Germany
@endnode
@node DirkFarin "Moduleauthors"
Dirk Farin
Kapellenweg 15
D-72070 T
bingen
Germany
EMail: farindk@trick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de
@endnode
@node DanielPink "Moduleauthors"
Postal Address:
Daniel Pink
26 Elderbek Close,
Cheshunt,
Hertfordshire,
EN7 6HS.
England.
E-Mail: (Until July 1995)
D.C.J.Pink@Herts.ac.uk
@endnode
@node StefanScholl "Moduleauthors"
EMail: Stefan Scholl <stesch@sks.inka.de>
@endnode
@node MatthiasBock "Moduleauthors"
EMail: Matthias Bock <starfox@stargate.mayn.sub.de>
@endnode
@node newmods "New modules?"
Modules I like to have or are already planned:
- Something with 3D graphics
- all other kind of gags
@endnode