A note to MS Windows users: if you use the "Word Wrap" facility within the
"Notepad" application, you will be able to read this text file more easily.
If you are reading this file using an MS-DOS editor, you'll have to use
the left/right cursor keys and/or the scroll bar if you're using a mouse.
Introduction
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Animator is an idea of mine, originally conceived several months ago. Since the introduction of the Psion Series 3a, the vastly improved graphics capabilities it has to offer, have never really been fully exploited (save by a few notable programmers), which is essentially why, in my own humble way, I wanted to try & demonstrate some of it's true potential.
General
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The program is, as the title suggests, ostensibly an animation program. It is capable of playing a variety of pre-set sequences*, some of which support the use of /incorporate greyscale. Animator is a wholly menu-driven program. Listed below are brief descriptions for each of the available options. The main display is divided into two halves. On the left is the animation window and on the right, the info window. Within the info window are a number of "action" buttons** , all of which are self-explanatory, as well as a title bar which displays the name of the current sequence in play.
* only a limited number of sequences can be run in the un-registered version
** only a limited number of action buttons are operative in the un-registered version
Menu options
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1) Select
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As the name suggests, this option enables you to select the animation sequence you wish to run. You will be asked to confirm your choice prior to it's being played. Certain sequences cannot be accessed until the program has been registered.
2) Disable/Enable intro
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This option allows you to disable/enable the initial introductory sequence, thus affording you faster access to the program. Note that until you have registered the program, the introductory sequence remains permanently enabled.
3) Help
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This option accesses the on-line help information.
4) About
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Displays copyright & version details
5) Register
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On selecting this option you are presented with an edit box, into which you can enter your registration code. Refer to the section marked "Registration" later in this document, for further details.
6) Exit
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Exits back out to the "System" screen, following confirmation.
Shareware
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Animator is shareware & as such supports the concept. In it's un-registered form, only a limited number of features & animation sequences can be accessed/run respectively. You may install and subsequently run Animator for a period not exceeding 14 days, after which time, if you intend to continue using it, you are obliged to then register the program. Your support ensures it's future development & that of other programs, which collectively enhance the use & enjoyment of these machines the world over, for those that take advantage of shareware products generally.
Installation
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You should have received the following files within the distributed archive ANIMAT12.ZIP
If any of these files are missing or if any of the file sizes do not match up with those quoted above, then please contact the author (refer to the relevant section within this document), stating when and from whom you received this archive.
To install Animator, create a directory named \APP\ANIMATOR\ on either your internal disk or an SSD, into which you should then copy all except the OPA & documentation files. The OPA file should be copied into an \APP\ directory on either your internal disk or an SSD. Having done so, from the "System" screen use the 'Install application' option within the 'Apps' menu to locate the OPA file, whereupon you can install the application in the time-honoured way.
Memory requirements
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Graphics by their very nature are intensive in the use of memory, often consuming it in alarming quantities. For those of you with precious little of the commodity left, you are advised to keep the majority, if not all the files required to run Animator, on an SSD. Since greyscale is used extensively throughout the program, the amount of memory used at run-time is comparatively high. This is in essence, a trade-off between the aesthetic value of the program and it's overall efficiency. Typically, whilst running an animation sequence the free memory that's needed can be as much as 70-80K. If you run into problems due to a lack of free memory, try to close down any other applications that may still be active or relocate whatever files you can to SSD (for example .DBF or .WRD files). This ought to free-up sufficient internal disk space to alleviate any further problems. On newer variants of the 3a (1 & 2Mb models) this is of less concern, since you have a lot more internal memory at your disposal.
Whilst I have endeavoured to reduce the file size of each animation by as much as possible, future versions of the program are likely to incorporate entirely sprite-based sequences which will cut the memory overhead required by a considerable amount.
Registration
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If you are intending to use this program for a period exceeding 14 days, you are obliged to then register it in accordance with the "Shareware" concept (see the relevant section earlier in this document).
To register, send a cheque or postal order for £5 (UK pounds) to:
Mr R.W.S. Urquhart
13 Hayes Lane
Kenley
Surrey
CR8 5LE (UK)
In return you will receive a unique personal registration code, which when entered will not only remove the restrictions imposed on the program in the form of inaccessible features, animation sequences & configurable options, but ought to ease your conscience as well !! It also allows you to a say in the program's future development, as well as being kept advised of any fixes/upgrades or new sequences that are made available, to which you are entitled. Having entered your registration code, a small file named "Animator.reg", will be created on your INTERNAL disk within the \APP\ANIMATOR\ directory. The presence of this file is all that distinguishes the program as being a registered copy. DO NOT DELETE IT, as this merely necessitates re-entry of the code, inorder to regain access to all the available features, options & sequences.
You are advised not to disclose your code to anyone else, as this negates it's purpose and simply helps to identify those amongst you who have done so, since it will be your name which appears on other users' machines if they try to run Animator in conjunction with it.
Terms and Conditions
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If you wish to distribute the archive ANIMAT12.ZIP to your friends/colleagues or if you intend to upload it to a BBS (bulletin board) you may only do so provided that:
1) All the original files are included (including these terms & conditions).
2) No charge is made other than to cover any reasonable costs incurred as a result.
3) You do not alter the files contained therein, in ANY way
NO WARRANTY IS PROVIDED WITH THIS PROGRAM. NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGE OR LOSS TO EQUIPMENT, DATA OR SOFTWARE AS A RESULT OF IT'S USE, IS ASSUMED, HOWSOEVER CAUSED. THIS PROGRAM IS STRICTLY FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY. YOU USE IT ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
