Component: 	TFTimer
Description:	Fast timer component for Delphi16
Author:		Richard Shotbolt
Email:		100327,2305@compuserve.com
Date:		14 Aug 1996

TFTimer is a fast timer component which uses the MMSYSTEM timer routines
to achieve an interval down to 1ms instead of the 55ms minimum for TTimer.

This control is unusual in that it uses some unconventional techniques
with data segments and arrays of event handlers to circumvent the normal
requirement for a DLL in this type of control. Because of its somewhat
experimental nature I am releasing the source code as freeware in the hope
that more experienced programmers than myself can assess it and provide
feedback. I am therefore not accepting any responsibility for system crashes
or loss of data. Having said that, I have carried out many tests such as
creating and destroying on-the-fly, multiple instances and running multiple
copies of the same program, alt-tabbing, running other programs etc. under
Win3.1 and Win95 and I have not managed to make it fall over.

Thanks are due to Immo Wache for the TRtcTimer component which provided
some interesting ideas to build on.

<< Using TFTimer >>

TFTimer has the properties, methods and events of TTimer but with some
additions and extensions.

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<< Properties >>

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Enabled: Boolean;
Starts/stops the timer. Default is True.
 
Interval: Word;
Sets the delay in milliseconds. The minimum cannot be set lower than 
the system is capable of. Most new machines can achieve 1ms, but beware
of running out of resources. Default is 1000 (1 sec).

Resolution: Word;
Sets the accuracy of timing. Smaller values eat up more processor time.
Default is 5ms. 

Countdown: Integer;
The timer continues to fire events until Countdown has decremented to zero.
You can make it one-shot by setting Countdown to 1. If negative, the timer
runs continuously. Default is -1.

MaxTime: Word;
Read only. Returns the maximum interval that can be set.

MinTime: Word;
Read only. Returns the minimum interval that can be set.

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<< Event >>

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OnTimer: TNotifyEvent;
This is the timer event and is the same as for TTimer

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<< Installation >>

Backup your 'complib.dcl' file as a precaution.
Select 'Options', 'Install Components'.
Select 'Add', 'Browse'.
Select the directory containing the ftcode files.
Select 'ftcode.pas' and click OK on each box that appears.
The FTimer control will be added to the 'System' section of your
component toolbar.
If anything goes wrong, restore your backed-up complib.dcl and try
again after correcting any obvious problems.