Hexulator can operate in two modes: hex mode and decimal mode. You can switch between modes by the tilde key ([`] or [~]), or by the "Toggle Mode" menu command or command key (‚åò-M). If these commands do not seem to function, check "Refresh After Toggle" in the "Hexulator" menu (See Chapter 4 for details)
DECIMAL MODE:
Hexulator in decimal mode works just like a standard calculator. Normally, values can range from -2,147,483,647..2,147,483,648. In fact, Hexulator supports values up to 4,294,967,296, but will only display decimal numbers up to 2,147,483,648. If the value is greater, the message (Decimal Over) will appear, and remain in the decimal register until the value falls back under 2,147,483,648.
Hexulator also supports floating point (i.e. non-whole) numbers. The decimal portion will usually appear to the right of the whole number, however, if the whole number is so large that both cannot be displayed, the decimal portion will not appear. Switch to Extended Hexulator to see the remainder for such numbers in the right-hand register.
HEX MODE:
Basic Hexulator in hex mode allows addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of hex numbers. The numbers 0 to F are mapped to the keys on most keyboards' numeric keypads. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, you will need to use the mouse to click on the appropriate buttons. The top row of keys in hex mode (the operator keys) are mapped to [A],[S],[D], and [F] on the keyboard. For speedier input, you can also use the [SHIFT] key to access the operator keys from the numeric keypad (see below). The hex register's range is 0..0xFFFFFFFF, the length of a C 'long' or Pascal 'longint'.
Hex mode does not support negative or floating point (non-whole) numbers. If an operation yields a negative result, the hex register will display "NEGATIVE". If the operation yields a non-whole result, a dot will appear between the two halves of the hex register. For example, [3][/][3] will be displayed as "0000 0001", but [3][/][2] will be displayed as "0000•0001", indicating that there is a fractional remainder. Checking the decimal register will show that the remainder is 0.5 decimal.
THE [SHIFT] KEY:
The [SHIFT] key performs two (simultaneous) functions in Hexulator: it allows you to use the keypad operators (+ - * /, as labeled on the keys) in hex equations, and it allows you to insert decimal numbers into hex equations.
You can hold the [SHIFT] key down to access the operator keys on the keypad while in hex mode. This allows you access to all of Hexulator's basic functions via the keypad. When you hold down the [SHIFT] key, the display changes to resemble the standard numeric keypad layout. NOTE: on some systems with older keyboards, the display may not change, but it will function as described here. (See Chapter 4's explanation of the "Refresh AfterToggle" command)
When you hold down the [SHIFT] key, all numeric entry will be in decimal. This is irrelevant for single digit numbers, but considering the following two examples:
[A] [+] [ 1 ] [ 0 ] [=] will equate to 0x1A (26 decimal)
[A] [+] [shift 1] [shift 0] [=] will equate to 0x14 (20 decimal)
You can use the shift key to insert decimal numbers into a hex equation:
[1] [0] [-] [shift 1] [shift 0] [=] is equal to (0x10 - 10), or 6. Note that you can enter decimal numbers in hex mode, but you cannot enter hex numbers in decimal mode.
The CE/C Key:
The decimal point key [.], as well as the [clear] key in decimal mode operates as both a clear entry (CE) and a clear (C) key. Type it once to remove the current value. Type it twice to reset Hexulator.
For example:
[1] [+] [1] [CE] [2] [=] equates to 3, as the decimal point key cleared out the value after the operator.
[1] [+] [1] [CE] [CE] [2] [=] equates to 2, as typing the decimal point key clears the entire equation.
