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GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2. HOW TO DEFINE A GRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 3. USING AND SAVING LaserGraf FILES . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4. PROBLEM SOLVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5. GLOSSARY (Definitions of Terms) . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6. ORDER AND LEGAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 The LaserGraf program described herein is the full-featured commercial version. Users of the Evaluation version, LGS.EXE, will be able to produce neither type of LaserGraf files nor print nor edit calibrations. "LaserGraf" copyright 1990 by W. Joseph Richards Both the LaserGraf copyright and the LaserGraf Trademark are assigned to New Atlantis Ltd. All rights are reserved. Page 1 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION LaserGraf is a program which creates rapidly on a LaserJet printer a very wide variety of gridded papers for scientific, technical, business, and personal use. These papers include both logarithmic and linear grids and, for the latter, they may be evenly divided (fixed) or measured (uniform) grids in centimeters, inches, or a user-defined measurement system. LaserGraf is an easy-to-use program which utilizes the graphics capabilities of the H-P LaserJet printer (other laser printers may be used if they have LaserJet emulation). It is not possible to produce accurate results with this program on other types of printers. All grids are formed from "rules" and three classes of rules may be defined: "main", "secondary", and "tertiary". For most applications these are in decreasing width. A rule may also be dotted instead of solid. Default values are built into the program: pressing [Enter] accepts those defaults which are shown between square brackets, e.g., [4]. A good way to understand this program better is to print a pre-defined grid. To do this press "F" while the "Beginning Menu" is displayed, then enter the name of a file with a ".LGF" extension, [If you don't know a file name enter anything, then press again, the program will show you the available ".LGF" files.] When you have entered a valid file name the "Summary" screen for it will be displayed. Pressing any letter key (except "E" or "R") will cause the calibration menu to appear. If "N" is selected the grid will be generated. Note the line widths and the structure of the printed grid. This should help you to create your own, custom grid. You may create a completely original grid by simply answering the displayed questions. You may also modify an existing ".LGF" file if you only plan a few changes. To do this enter the file name as described above and press "E" when the "Summary" screen is displayed. You will be led through the whole definition process but the values of the selected file will be shown in each case in square brackets. To keep this established value simply press [Enter]. To change anything enter a new value. When prompted for a file name enter a new name or the old file will be overwritten. If you selected an "L" file type, the new grid definition will be saved as an ".LGF" file. If you (also) selected a "G" file type, a file will be generated with the same name but with the extension ".GRF"; ".GRF" files will produce the same grid on a LaserJet printer by simply using the DOS "Print" command. It is not necessary to use the LaserGraf program to print a ".GRF" file (in fact, you can't edit or change these files but they may be used, for example, in DOS batch files.) You may also print a special grid without saving it at all, simply select "N" for the file type. Sample ".GRF" and ".LGF" files are included on the LaserGraf program disk. 2. HOW TO DEFINE A GRID After answering the beginning menu with a letter key other than "D" or "F", the program asks for the paper size. The graph frame size is the same for Quarto (Letter) and A4 sizes but the margins are different. For the long sizes the ratio of the short to long edges is 2 to 3. Page 2 If the X axis is to be oriented along the short edge of the paper, i.e., "portrait" orientation, answer "S" to the next question. The only other choice is "L", i.e., "Long" or "Landscape". Log or Linear Linear scales are of two types: Fixed and Uniform. Fixed scales are those where the whole axis is evenly divided by the specified rules (Note carefully that there is always one more space than there are rules.) Uniform divisions are based on absolute scales without regard to the overall size of the frame. LaserGraf can provide internally scales based on both centimeters and inches. Since the LaserJet works on an internal resolution of 300 dots per inch LaserGraf also includes an "Other" scale category where the user can define a measuring unit by indicating its size in dots, i.e., 300ths of an inch. If this method is chosen take care to note that when the program asks for the distance between main rules in "Other" units it wants the measure in fractions of the unit, not in dots (the "unit" will have already been defined in dots). In most cases the main rules would be one [1] unit apart. The LaserJet has a high dimensional printing stability. LaserGraf uniform scales will be found to be quite precise and reasonably accurate across the dimensions of the whole frame. Actual points of reference are the centers of rules; all rules are adjusted to this standard regardless of the selected width. The only exception is the frame, or border, of the grid where the reference point is the inner edge (for all sides). Logarithmic scales are not as definable as are the linear ones. The user can only select the number of cycles and the widths of the rules. All the rule locations and divisions are calculated by the program. The number of rules varies according to the number of cycles, as might be expected. Grids with log scales are quite complex and it is possible to define a grid that cannot be reproduced by the printer. (See Section 4 in this regard.) Rule widths Generally narrow rules are the most satisfactory, especially since the LaserJet produces such black lines. (When lighter-colored toners become available they will be especially applicable to LaserGrafs.) The defaults for line widths are 4, 2, and 1 dots for the main, secondary and tertiary rules respectively. The main and secondary rules are solid [S] by default and the tertiary rules are dotted [D]. The user should note that one characteristic of very narrow dotted rules is that the "dotting" is not completely uniform. This is because such rules are not actually dotted but are lines across a dot matrix, or gray scale. In some cases the line may look almost solid but a check with a magnifying glass will confirm that it is dotted. Titles A title may be specified for the grid. It will be printed in the Courier 10 Bold font and will be centered at the top of the page in parallel with the X axis. The title should be less than about 70 spaces long. The specification and characteristics of the LaserGraf file types are discussed below; it is not necessary to save a defined grid to print it. Page 3 The Summary Table When all questions have been answered the defined grid will be summarized on the screen. If any item is not satisfactory, press "E" and the whole definition cycle will be repeated. In this case, however, the previously chosen values will appear between square brackets, e.g., [L]. Pressing will preserve this value; it is not necessary to repeat the same entry. Items to be changed should be adjusted as necessary. The whole process may be repeated, as necessary. Pressing "R" while viewing the Summary screen produces much the same situation as does "E" except the return is to the Beginning Menu where, for example, an ".LGF" file could be loaded; since this is a new start, OLD VALUES ARE NOT SAVED WHEN "R" IS PRESSED. Pressing any other letter key will cause the rules to be generated. Calibrations may now be entered, if wanted. When the calibrations are decided, pressing [F1] will cause the files to be saved (if asked for) and the grid printed. The program will terminate afterward. Observations LaserGraf grids make ideal originals for photo copying or for offset printing. Users will find that printing these derivative copies in lighter colors will result in grids more ideal for many applications than will any commercially available product. Physically larger or smaller grid papers may be created by using the scaling capabilities of many copy machines. If a uniform grid is needed in another physical size the "Other Units" feature can define an original unit just the right size so that the scaled copy is accurate. Millions of LaserGraf combinations are possible. During the definition of a grid it is possible to start over at almost any time. The user will note that where it is necessary to [Enter] a value that could have several keystrokes, the [Ctrl-S] combination won't work. However, where the key press works directly without a subsequent [Enter] the process will always abort and return to the beginning menu. This same observation also applies to the use of the [Esc] key; in this latter case, of course, the program terminates and the user is returned to the DOS prompt. 3. USING AND SAVING LaserGraf FILES LaserGraf can save the results of a grid definition in two forms. One file type -- that with an extension of ".GRF" -- stores the complete command set that produces the printer output. This file type, once produced, may be used thereafter by simply using the DOS print command, thus.... PRINT .GRF or COPY .GRF PRN Please note that ".GRF" files include a concluding form feed. In consequence using the DOS "PRINT" command will cause a second, blank sheet to be ejected from the printer; the "COPY" command will produce only the grid sheet. Page 4 LaserGraf cannot modify or print a ".GRF" file from within the program except for the time when it is first defined and produced. If it is desired to print grids later using LaserGraf itself an ".LGF" file must be employed. This file can only be used with LaserGraf since it consists only of all the essential parameters which define the grid. Because of this it is quite easy and useful to start with an already defined grid if a similar one is desired. When the Beginning Menu is displayed pressing "F" gives the opportunity to enter an ".LGF" file name. If there is an error pressing [Enter] again causes the program to list the ".LGF" files in the default directory. A further [Enter] causes a return to the file entry box. If it is decided then not to load a file, [Enter] anything, then press [Ctrl-S] or [Esc]. After a file is defined the program asks for the file types to be produced. Entering "N" will permit printing of the currently defined grid without saving it in any form. "L" will result in an ".LGF" file and "G" will result in a ".GRF" file. Both letters may be entered at the same time and both files will result. After the file type is asked for a file name is requested. It will be used with both the ".LGF" and ".GRF" extensions. If an existing file is being modified be sure to specify a new title or the old file will be overwritten. 4. PROBLEM SOLVING It is possible to define a grid which is too complicated for the LaserJet printer to produce. If the printer does not print a complete grid (and it reports an Error 21) the program will nevertheless produce the specified files. The grid should be recalled into the LaserGraf program using the ".LGF" file. It may be possible to simplify the grid enough to get it to print by eliminating or simplifying rules. Try the following.... 1. Eliminate any specified title printed on the grid. 2. Change dotted rules to solid rules. 3. Reduce the number of rules by using fewer divisions. If you use a LaserJet II, you may illustrate this problem by trying to print UCMUCMQL.GRF. It is likely that this will fail. For some other printers, e.g., Kyocera, there will be no problem. The Hewlett-Packard Technical Reference Manual for the LaserJet series II printer (Part No. 33440-90905) gives very brief information on the "Print Overrun" (21) error (see pages 13-9 and 13-14). A mention is also made in the User's Manual for the same printer (Part No. 33440-90901) in Appendix B-4. These references may help understanding but there is no solution to this problem other than to reduce the complexity of the defined grid. 5. GLOSSARY The following trade names and marks which belong to the Hewlett-Packard Company have been used in this manual: LaserJet, LaserJet II, PCL (Program Control Language), H-P A4 A paper size widely used in Europe measuring 297 by 210 millimeters (a ratio of 1:û2). Fixed A term applied to linear scales where the entire frame length is evenly divided. Page 5 GLOSSARY, CONT. Grid A matrix of lines upon which a graph is charted; also refered to as a "graph", or graph paper. Legal A paper size used primarily in North America; it measures 8.5 by 14 inches. Logarithmic A grid spacing where the line position is the logarithm of a linear scale. Quarto A paper size widely used in North America; also called "Letter" size. Nominally 8.5 by 11 inches. Rule A printed line and constituant part of a grid. Uniform A term applied to linear scales which are ruled according to a measurement system, e.g., inches or centimenters. ______________________________________________________________ ORDERING INFORMATION Commercial use of LaserGraf is controlled by New Atlantis Ltd. Int'l. Company Services Sovereign House, Station Road St. Johns, Isle of Man United Kingdom The full software and a more complete manual may be ordered through any software dealer from New Atlantis or directly through the following agents: COMART Services Richards Industries Park J.F.Kennedy 290 Ardmore Ave. W. Churchill, 163 Des Plaines IL 60016 1180 Brussels, Belgium USA The Shareware version of the program, LGS.EXE, may be freely copied and passed on to other non-commercial users for evaluation purposes. If the program benefits the user a contribution of $10.00 must be sent to: W.J. Richards at either of the above addresses. Comments and suggestions are welcomed. (See the legal statement on the following page.) POSTPAID PRICES (Specify 3.5" or 5-1/4" Disk) USA: $29.95 U.K.: œ17.95 (w/o VAT) Europe: BelFrs995 (hors TVA) Page 6 LEGAL CONDITIONS LaserGraf -- Version 1.1 Copyright (c) 1990 by W.J. Richards, all rights reserved. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liabilities The LaserGraf programs consist of the following: LaserGraf {LG.EXE or LGS.EXE}, LaserGraf Documentation {LG.TXT}, and several graph files {*.LGF and *.GRF}. LaserGraf and its documentation are distributed without expressed or implied warranties. No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered. You, the user, are advised to become familiar with all of the LaserGraf programs before relying on them. You assume all risk for the use and operation of these programs. You alone shall be responsible for any loss of profits, loss of savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the correct or incorrect use of these programs, even if the copyright owner or his assignees have been advised of the possibility of any damages. Neither the originator(s) nor the seller(s) of this software warrant that this documentation is accurate, nor that any of the LaserGraf programs (specified above) operate as claimed. By using any of these programs the user agrees to the above limitations. Evaluation Agreement If the Evaluation version of LaserGraf benefits you in any way or you make regular use of any of the programs, please contribute $10.00. You will receive a certificate entitling you to full credit for the donation if you wish later to upgrade to the full commercial version of LaserGraf. You will also receive notifications of any upgrades that may become available in the future. The Evaluation ("ShareWare") version of LaserGraf may not be used in any environment beyond individual home applications. The program is distributed for evaluation purposes only and any useful application of the program obligates the user to buy the commercial version. Unmodified copies of the LaserGraf Evaluation disk may be kept for personal use or given to others on the condition that they receive the copy with concurrence to the present terms. User groups may distribute the LaserGraf Evaluation disk provided that they notify New Atlantis Ltd. of their intention in writing. If a fee is charged to copy and distribute this disk, the fee may not exceed $5.00. No additions or "bundling" with other software or hardware is authorized; all LaserGraf programs must be included and no further LaserGraf files may be added. The commercial version of LaserGraf (LG.EXE) may be used on only one computer at a time and no copies may be given to third parties for any reason, even temporarily. Derivative programs (*.GRF) files may not be sold and the LaserGraf logo must not be removed from the printed output of LaserGraf programs. Page 7