This program was written as a project to try and get used to the Helix Basic programming system. The times and prices per unit are contained within the file "Rates". If you change this make sure that you keep the last line of the file otherwise you will start to get "Abort on Data transfer" errors!. For this you have been warned!
What it does:
This program will calculate the cost of your calls at any time of the day (it reads the internal clock to detiemine the rate that is currently operative!)
Main Menu:
"Info"-the usual stuff
"Quit"
Current Band
Current Rate (from internal clock)
"Change Band"-only if you are not timing though!
"See rates"
"Call Log"-if there have been any calls to log
Telephone Rates:
Are published on an annual basis and, for this program, are kept in a "Rates" file in the !CallCost directory. In 1992 the rates were:
Unit Cost
4.90
Length of time local - cheap
220
Length of time local - medium
80
Length of time local - peak
57.50
Length of time Band a - peak
27.00
Length of time Band a - medium
36.15
Length of time Band a - cheap
80.80
Length of time Band b - peak
19.20
Length of time Band b - medium
25.60
Length of time Band b - cheap
37.95
Current VAT rate
17.5
It is very important that you leave the help lines- they are expected by the program and although you may change their content, make sure there is a line between each rate!
The Call Log:
This is available after the first call has been stopped (and sufficient time has elapsed for Helix BASIC to update the values!). The log will show the start time of the call,its band,length and cost.
At the end of all the calls logged there will be a total cost and a total cost of VAT so enter the unit cost as shown in the BT bill - without VAT!
Update Time:
The program updates values every five seconds. It should be sufficient for anyone checking their call cost! If you don't wish to see the charges going up close the window and this will prevent the flicker every 5 seconds or so as the price so far is updated. You are able to start and finish the timing from the main icon.
Using the program:
To start double click on the !CallCost icon and then click on the phone icon on the icon bar.
Use the middle "menu" button on the empty window to either stop or start the application.
Once the timer has begun you will not be able to change the band that you are calling (for fairly obvious reasons!) so make sure that you are calling the right band by choosing it before you start the call.