  VCalc V3.3 Help and Information

General Information

Vehicle List

Setup

Advanced Setup

Maintenance Warning

Adjusting Column Widths

Entering Data

Sorting

Statistics

Graphs

Trouble-Shooting & Technical Support

Registration

Removal

Distribution


General Information:

VCalc, designed for both the small business and the individual, analyzes the cost and efficiency of vehicles (including hourly-based vehicles, like aircraft, water craft, and construction equipment), and manages maintenance procedures.  It has a clean and concise user interface, and is rich with features and attention to detail.

Hansen Software

155 E. "C" St., Suite "D"

Upland, CA  91786

E-Mail: 74721.3027@CompuServe.COM

World Wide Web...

Member, Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)

Copyright © 1995 Hansen Software

  All rights reserved

Version Changes..


 Vehicle List:

The Vehicle List is VCalc's manner of managing data files.  The maximum number of vehicles it can hold is 100 (for more vehicles, run VCalc using a different working directory).

To enter a new vehicle, enter all of the vehicle information into a new line, then press "save changes".

To select a vehicle, either double-click on the vehicle, or single-click on the vehicle and press "select".

Maintenance check from the vehicle list:  Whenever a vehicle is selected on the vehicle list, the maintenance warning is automatically calculated and displayed.  This allows the user to quickly check which vehicles in the list are due for maintenance.

Adjusting column widths:  Different screen resolutions will require the vehicle list's column widths to be adjusted.  See Adjusting Column Widths

To remove a vehicle from the list, either delete the information item-by-item, or else single-click on the vehicle, then press "delete".  Note that while this removes from the vehicle from the list, it does not delete its associated data files.  For information on deleting the data files, see modifying data files.

To make changes to the list:  Changes may be made freely, with the exception of the filename.  Changing only the filename on the vehicle list will disassociate that vehicle from any data previously entered for it.  To change a filename, and retain any data previously entered for it, see modifying data files.

To import a VCalc version 2 vehicle list, see Advanced Setup


VCalc Setup:

Category Titles:  Changing these affects what is displayed (or printed), whenever a category is referred to.

Default Category:  This is the category which is automatically selected, every time that VCalc is started.  If "Last `Save Changes'" is selected, then VCalc will remember which category was the last to be saved, and use that as the default.

Default Vehicle:  When VCalc starts, it will either automatically load the last selected vehicle, or else wait for the user to select a vehicle.

Maintenance Warning...

Adjustable Column Widths:  Checking this box, makes the column widths adjustable for both the data tables, and the vehicle list.  See Adjusting Column Widths. for further details.


VCalc Advanced Setup:

These settings have been called "Advanced", because careless settings can cause problems.

Maximum number of rows in each table:  Before registration, the number of rows is fixed at 10.  After registration, the number of rows may be from 10 to 2000 (2000 is automatically set when the password is successfully tested).  Setting the number to less than 2000 may be desirable, because the scroll bar will work better when less than 2000 rows of data have been entered.  But be careful when setting this, because if the number is set to less than the number of rows of data which have already been entered, then the excess data will be lost.

Importing VCalc Version 2 Files:  This procedure copies the VCalc version 2 vehicle list, and its associated data files, into the version 3 format.  A "Prompt Before Overwriting" option is provided, to selectively import the files.  This procedure does not affect the version 2 files.

Since version 3 adds an extra category which separates maintenance from repairs, it will copy the version 2 "maintenance" category into both the maintenance and repair categories of version 3.  The user should then go through the two categories, deleting those items which don't pertain to each one.

Screen and printer fonts:  Adjust these as necessary or desired.  Some settings can produce a real mess, so if it looks hopeless, enter an ordinary font like "Arial", "Times Roman", or "System", and a size of 9 or 10.  That seems to work well on most systems.


Adjusting Column Widths:

With different fonts and screen resolutions, the column widths will need to be adjusted.

To adjust column widths in either the data tables or the vehicle list, first select the "adjustable column widths" within the "Setup" form.  Then locate the mouse pointer over the line to be moved (the mouse pointer should change to a double arrow), then press and hold the mouse button.   Move the line, then release the mouse button to release the line.  Press "Save Changes" to save the column widths as the default.


Entering Data into the Tables:

Dates:  Enter dates in the format mm/dd/yy or mm-dd-yy for the current century, or use a four digit year for a different century.

Long-term expenses:  When entering expenses which cover a long period, enter them as smaller monthly expenses, rather than as one larger expense.  For example, if insurance is paid semiannually, then break the expense into 6 equal monthly payments, and enter that into the table.  Doing so will produce more useful stats and graphs.  To help with this, a feature called "Table Filler" has been added.  Table Filler takes an expense, divides it into any number of smaller monthly expenses, then enters that into the table.  Table Filler is accessible by a button at the bottom of the main screen when one of the last five categories is selected.

Auto-entry of dates and mileages:  To automatically enter the current date into a date "cell", or the latest mileage into a mileage cell, first select the cell to receive the number, then press "x".   The date entered is based on the computer's internal clock, and the mileage (or hour) entered is based on the highest mileage found in the fuel table.

Adjusting Column Widths...

What's the difference between "repairs" and "maintenance"?  A difficult question, because most repairs can be considered maintenance, and most maintenance can be considered a repair.  The best definition found so far, is that "maintenance" is service which is "planned in advance", while "repairs" is service which is done "as needed".  For VCalc's purposes, "repairs" can serve as an indicator of a vehicle's wear, damage, abuse,... while "maintenance" is an ongoing expense, which doesn't vary too much over the life of the vehicle.


Version Changes:

Version 3 adds many new features, and continues to improve on program quality:

1)  Adds an eighth category, to separate maintenance from repairs.

2)  Adds a maintenance warning, to alert the user when maintenance is due.

3)  Vehicles may be entered and modified directly on the vehicle list.

4)  Annual history stats can display up to 50 years (7 at a time).

5)  Nearly every line of programming "code" has been reviewed, and in some cases rewritten, to further improve reliability and serviceability.

6)  Category selection is available by two methods:  A row of buttons across the top, or a drop-down menu.  Each has its benefits.

7)  Many minor revisions and refinements.

Registered users of Version 2 may upgrade to Version 3 for only the price difference between the two versions.

Version 3.2:

Fixes a minor problem encountered during imports of version 2 data (in some instances, an error message was erroneously displayed).

Version 3.3:

1) Fixes a problem with the auto-insertion of dates in the maintenance category.

2) Adds the auto-insertion of mileages (or hours) into the maintenance and repairs categories.

3) Minor modifications to documentation.


 Table Sorter:

Table Sorter reorganizes the current category, based on the user's criteria.

Sorting by Text Columns:  While this may seem ridiculous at first, it can be useful, depending on how it's used.  For example, if the maintenance section were sorted by "Mechanic", then all services done by a particular mechanic/service shop/dealer/... would be grouped together.  Another example would be if "heavy load" were entered into the "Notes" column of the fuel category,  every time that a heavy load was carried.  Sorting by that column would then help in determining the effect that a heavy load has on fuel usage.

Note:  If the data is not saved after sorting, then the previous order will be restored the next time the category is selected.


 Statistics:

When the statistics form is opened, some default values are entered into the top:

Start Date = The date entered in the vehicle list.

End Date = The current date, as returned by the computer's internal clock.

Start Mi.|Hr. = The Mi.|Hr. entered in the vehicle list.

End Mi.|Hr. = The highest Mi.|Hr. VCalc could find in the fuel category.

Edit these as necessary or desired.  Calculations are made using only those entries which fall within both the Mi.|Hr. and the date criteria.  When adjusting these, make sure that the date criteria and the Mi.|Hr. criteria coincide, otherwise some of the stats may be inaccurate.

To eliminate a category from the sum-total at the bottom, un-check the box beside it.


 Graphs:

VCalc's graphing module is actually a separate, stand-alone program, though it is designed to work seamlessly with VCalc.

For information on setting the dates and Mi.|Hr., see Statistics.

VCalc graphs are pretty straight-forward.  Just select the desired graph, then press "create graph".  The graphs may then be modified through File > Setup.  The graphs may be printed in either B&W or color, and may be copied to the clipboard for use in other programs.  To print a "color" graph on a B&W printer, the best results are achieved by selecting the coarsest "dithering" mode available for your printer.

As with most all graphs, they aren't very useful until a significant amount of data has been entered.  As more data is entered, the graphs will become more and more informative about the vehicle's cost and efficiency.


Trouble-Shooting & Technical Support:

If you experience a problem with VCalc, first try to determine whether the problem is actually within VCalc.   The best way to determine this, is to check whether a similar problem occurs with other programs.  If it does, then the problem probably isn't within VCalc.

If you experience a problem with VCalc, then contact Hansen Software.  Include the following:

1)  Your name, as it's written in your registration information.

2)  Any error messages which were displayed.

3)  Other information can be helpful in tracing down a problem:

a)  Printouts of data, stats, graphs,... (wherever the problem is).

b)  Copies of data files.

c)  Information on the circumstances where the problem occurs.

d)  Computer system information (operating system version, RAM, other programs in memory,...).

Hansen Software's support policy is:

1)  For unregistered users (during the trial period), support is usually supplied, though at the discretion of Hansen Software.

2)  After registration, support is supplied for a minimum of six months from the date of registration.  After six months, support most likely will continue, though at the discretion of Hansen Software.  Support is provided primarily by E-Mail and USPS mail.

3)  "Bugs", if any are found, will be fixed promptly.  Fixes of "major" bugs will be distributed to registered users by the mailing of floppy disks.  Fixes of "minor" bugs will be distributed to registered users by the uploading and downloading through the following on-line services (or by the mailing of a floppy disk, for a $5.00 S&H fee):

* CompuServe (GO > WINPROD.  Search file system using "VCalc*.*").

* America On-Line (Keyword "Quickfinder".  Search with keyword "VCalc")

* Exec-PC BBS (414-789-4360)

* Channel 1 BBS (617-354-8873)

* ASP Internet Site at "http://www.asp-shareware.org"

* Many smaller BBSs around the United States

Notification of "minor" updates will be made by only through Hansen Software's site on the World Wide Web.

Hansen Software

155 E. "C" St., Suite "D"

Upland, CA  91786

E-Mail: 74721.3027@CompuServe.Com


Registration:

Before registration, data entry is limited to 10 rows.  After registration, the limit is 2000 rows.  To register, enter all of the user information (E-mail address optional, and will be used only for VCalc notices), printout the info., and mail it along with payment to Hansen Software.  Within two weeks, the password will be delivered which will allow the full use of VCalc, along with technical support as described in this help file.  If a printer is not available, then hand-writing is acceptable (but be sure to include the "copy number" and "version number").

Be sure to enter a personal name in the first line of the registrantion form.  If registering for a company, then the best method is usually to enter the owner's name in the first line, followed by the company name in the second.

Hansen Software

155 E. "C" St., Suite "D"

Upland, CA  91786

E-Mail: 74721.3027@CompuServe.Com


Distribution:

Distributing VCalc in its unregistered form is encouraged.  Distributing VCalc in its registered form is unethical, and is a violation of U.S. copyright law and international treaties.  Violators are financially liable for the estimated losses.

To assure unregistered distribution, avoid distributing the file "VCALC3DF.DAT" (the file which contains registration information).

The easiest way to distribute VCalc, is in the original "package" in which it was received.  If this is not available, then please distribute these files only (with dates equal to or newer than those listed, except where specified):

VCALC33.EXE  	(VCalc program, this date only), 8/20/96

VCALC33.HLP  	(VCalc "Help" file, this date only), 8/20/96

VCALCG33.EXE  	(VCalc graphing program, this date only), 8/20/96

GSW.EXE  	(A background program, which handles the details of graphing), 4/27/93

THREED.VBX  	(A "custom control", which produces 3D effects), 7/16/93

TRUEGRID.VBX  	(A "custom control", for most of the table functions), 2/7/94

CMDIALOG.VBX  	(A "custom control", for the selection of colors, printers, and fonts), 4/27/93

GRAPH.VBX 	(A "custom control" which works with GSW.EXE), 4/27/93

MSAFINX.DLL  	(A "dynamic link library", for some of the statistical calculations), 4/28/93

COMMDLG.DLL  	(A "dynamic link library", which works with CMDIALOG.VBX), 3/9/92

GSWDLL.DLL 	(A "dynamic link library", which works with GSW.EXE), 4/27/93

README.WRI  	(A "Write" file to provide user info. prior to loading.  This date only), 8/20/96

FILE_ID.DIZ 	(Used by BBSs for program description.  This date only), 8/20/96

VBRUN300.DLL	(A "Run Time" dynamic link library for MS Visual Basic programs), 5/12/93

VCALC3VS.DAT	(Sample vehicle list.  This date only), 7/25/96

SAMPLE.DT*	(Sample data files.  This date only), 7/25/96

Professional Shareware Distribution:  VCalc may be distributed (in its unregistered form) without requesting permission, though notification will be appreciated.  "Screen shots" and .DOZ files are available from Hansen Software.

Thank you for distributing VCalc.


VCalc Version 2 Registered Users:

Version 2 registered users may upgrade to version 3 for only the price difference between version 2 and version 3.  To do so, register version 3 as new user, but write "upgrade" on the page, and include a check for only $5.00.  If changing your name or address for version 3, then be sure to state your previous information on the page, otherwise Hansen Software will have no way of verifying the validity of the upgrade.


 The Association of Shareware Professionals

The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) is an organization of shareware professionals, dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and service within the shareware market.  To become a member, both authors and their programs must meet many standards of quality and service.  The following statement is provided to you, the user of the program, from the ASP.

"Hansen Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you.  If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help.  The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.  Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI  49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536"

The ASP also runs a site on the World Wide Web at "http://www.asp-shareware.org".


Removal

To completely remove VCalc from a computer, merely delete all of the files in VCalc's directory, then delete the icon from Windows.


Maintenance Warning

The maintenance warning does two things:

1)  Highlights all maintenance events in the maintenance category which are "due".

2)  Activates indicators when there are any maintenance events which are due:

a)  The text on the maintenance category button turns red.

b)  The text in the drop-down menu is surrounded with arrows:  >>Maintenance<<.

a)  An indicator "light" in the vehicle list turns red.

Within the Setup form, the user may select the criteria which triggers the maintenance warning.  Some may want the warning to trigger in advance of the actual due date or Mi.|Hr., in order to have time to plan ahead for it.

If the maintenance warning is not needed, then unchecking the "Activated" checkbox in the Setup form will hide all visible signs of the maintenance warning, and will eliminate the calculations necessary to perform it (therefore speeding up some functions of the program).


Modifying data files

The following information is provided in case data files need to be moved, renamed, deleted,...

VCalc stores a vehicle's data in eight separate files.  They are named <filename>.DT1, <filename>.DT2, <filename>.DT3,... up to <filename>.DT8, where "<filename>" is what was entered in the vehicle list.  When VCalc saves them, they are saved in the current "working directory".

For former users of version 2, the version 2 method of file naming was similar, except that the 3 digit extension was slightly different:  .1DT, .2DT,... .7DT.


Hansen Software on the World Wide Web

Begun August 20, 1996, is a temporary site on the World Wide Web for Hansen Software.  This site will provide the latest information on VCalc:

HTTP://Ourworld.CompuServe.Com/HomePages/DonHansen

Around Oct. `96, the address will be changing.  While the address is not known at this time, it most likely will be:

HTTP://Ourworld.CompuServe.Com/HomePages/HansenSW