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Amigaguide Document | 1996-04-07 | 50KB | 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