Copyright: Copyright 1995, Donahue Enterprises


PowerCalc Help
PowerCalc Lite  Help

Thank you for trying PowerCalc Lite, the calculator for Windows that is designed with the serious calculator user in mind.  PowerCalc Lite is designed to be a truly inexpensive RPN-based alternative to the default Windows calculator.

The goal of PowerCalc Lite is to meet the calculating needs of the user.  We have designed this calculator to be used by engineers, surveyors, architects, technicians, students in advanced mathematical classes, and any others who have the need for a powerful and usable calculator, and who prefer to use RPN logic for their calculations.

If you like PowerCalc Lite but feel that you need more features, such as a programming language and statistics functions, please consider PowerCalc, which is a full-featured calculator offered by Donahue Enterprises.  A shareware version of PowerCalc can be found on numerous bulletin boards and information services worldwide.  See the item below for more information.

PowerCalc Lite is a shareware product.  You may use PowerCalc Lite for up to thirty days on a trial basis, but after this you should register your copy.  There are benefits to registration.  You will 60 days' receive free technical support, a disk-based manual, and all notices of product upgrades upon registration of your copy.  See the list below for more details.  Please feel free to copy and distribute PowerCalc Lite to anybody you feel may be interested.

For help on a specific topic, pick one of the items from the list below.

Introduction to and Features of PowerCalc Lite

Calculator Operation & Functions

How to Register Your Copy

Information About PowerCalc


Display Screen Area
Display area

This area shows the output of your entry and calculations.  It represents the value currently in the X register of the stack.


Arithmetic

The arithmetic operators Add (+), Subtract (-), Multiply (*), and Divide (/) operate as you would expect.  Keep in mind that PowerCalc Lite works with a stack, so you will want to hit these keys after the numbers are entered.


Backspace

The Backspace button will delete the last character you entered.


Change sign
chs

Changes the algebraic sign of the number currently in the display.


Clear

The Clear button clears the statistics register, allowing you to begin a new set of statistical observations.


Clear X
Clx

The Clx button clears the display to 0, and puts 0 in the X value of the stack.


Degrees to Radians
Converting Degrees to Radians and vice versa

The ->rad button converts an angle expressed in degrees to one expressed in radians.  If the Shift key is on, the ->deg function will be performed, which converts an angle expressed in radians to one expressed in degrees.


eex

Raises the number in the display by 10 to the power you specify.


Enter

The Enter button allows you to enter numbers into the stack.  Typically you will enter one or more numbers and then do operations on them.  For example, to solve the equation:

2 / ( 3 X 2 )

you would do the following:

2 <Enter> 3 <Enter> 2 X /

You first enter 2, then enter 3, then multiply 2 by 3, then divide the result into 2, to obtain the answer of 0.3333....

For more information, see the help screens on RPN and The Stack.


Factorial
x! , the Factorial function

This button computes the factorial of a number you specify.  The number must be a positive integer.  The factorial function is defined as follows:

x! = (x)(x-1)(x-2)....(3)(2)(1)


Register Screen Area
Register

Opens Windows' Notepad and displays information about becoming a registered user of PowerCalc Lite. Registration entitles you to several advantages; please consider registering your copy if you find PowerCalc Lite useful.  You can print this file and send in the coupon to become a registered user.


Hours to Hours, Minutes and Seconds
Converting Decimal Angles to Hours, Minutes and Seconds

The ->hr button converts an angle expressed in Hours, Minutes and Seconds to one expressed in  decimal degrees, or Hours.  If the Shift key is on, the ->hms function will be performed, which converts an angle expressed in Hours to one expressed in Hours, Minutes and Seconds.

Note: Angles expressed in Hours, Minutes and Seconds will be represented in the display as follows:  HHH.MMSS  where H=Hours, M=Minutes, S=Seconds.


Hyperbolic Trig Functions

Clicking the hyp button prior to one of the trigonometric functions will allow you to compute the hyperbolic sine, cosine or tangent.


Base 'e' Logarithm and 'e' to the Xth power functions

This button will give you the base 'e' logarithm, or "ln", of the number in the display.  If Shift is on, it will raise 'e' to the power of the number in the display.


Base 10 Logarithm and 10 to the Xth power functions

This button will give you the base 10 logarithm, or "log", of the number in the display.  If Shift is on, it will raise 10 to the power of the number in the display.


Macros Screen Area
Macros

Allows you to load and run macros that you have created.  For more information on using macros, see the help screen for Macros.


Menu Screen Area
Menu area

This area allows you to access the Data sharing,  User, and Help areas of PowerCalc Lite.  See the help screens for these individual items for more information.


Modes

This area informs you of the modes that PowerCalc Lite is currently operating under.  The information reported is the display type (fixed or scientific), the angle type (degree, radians or hours, minutes, seconds), whether Shift is on, and whether hyp (hyperbolic trig functions) is on.


Numeric Keypad

This is the Numeric Keypad area of PowerCalc Lite.  You may enter numbers either from the 10-key area of your keyboard or from the typewriter area.


1/X

Computes the inverse of X, or 1 divided by X.


Percent

This button computes X percent of Y.  IFor example, if you want to find the 12 percent of  127, enter this sequence of characters:

127 <Enter> 12 <%>


Pi

Gives you the value of pi for use in your calculations.


Preferences Screen Area
Preferences

Calls up the Preferences dialog box.  This will allow you to set preferences for several items for use during the current session.  This dialog box is divided into three sections:


Storage Registers

The Sto button stores the number in the display into the storage register you specify.  You have 20 different registers you can store numbers into.  When you are ready to use the number you have stored again, choose the Rcl button.  This will recall the number from the register you specify.


Roll Down

This button rolls the stack down, allowing you to cycle through and view the contents of the X, Y, Z and T registers.


Shift

The Shift Key allows you to access the functions in white that appear above buttons.  Click on the function you want for more information.


Sigma Minus

The Sigma Minus button subtracts an entry previously made to the statistics register.  For more information see the help screen for Statistics.


Sigma Plus

The Sigma Plus button adds an entry to the statistics register.  For more information see the help screen for Statistics.


Square Root and Square functions

The Square Root button computes the square root of the number in the display.  If Shift is on, the square of the number will be computed.


Trigonometric Functions

PowerCalc Lite supports the basic trigonometric functions, their inverses, and additionally the hyperbolic trig functions.  Pressing the sin, cos, or tan buttons will give you the sine, cosine, or tangent, respectively, of the number in the display.  If the Shift button is hit first, these buttons will compute the inverse sine, cosine and tangent.  If the hyp (hyperbolic) button is hit first, the hyperbolic sine, hyperbolic cosine or hyperbolic tangent will be computed.  The trig functions will work in any angle mode.  For more  information, click on the Modes area of this help screen.


X<>Y

Clicking on the X<>Y button exchanges the information in the X and Y Registers of the stack.


Y to the Xth power

Raises the number in the Y register of the stack by the number in the X register (the display) and places the value in the X register.


Introduction  to  PowerCalc Lite

PowerCalc Lite offers you an inexpensive RPN alternative to your default Windows calculator.  Don't let the low price fool you, however.  PowerCalc Lite is a fully functional scientific calculator.  It allows you to calculate with the familiar RPN logic that so many technical professionals prefer.  If you've ever found yourself using your hand-held calculator to do calculations that you then enter into your PC, give PowerCalc Lite a try!

Listed below are some of PowerCalc Lite's major features.  Click on any of the topic headings for more in-depth information.

RPN Logic

PowerCalc Lite is based on RPN logic, which is the same type used in HP calculators.  In fact, if you know how to use any HP calculator, you know how to use PowerCalc Lite.  RPN logic is extremely powerful way to perform long algebraic operations.

Keyboard / Mouse Integration

PowerCalc Lite has been designed to function completely from the keyboard, and support  mouse operations if desired.

Data Sharing

PowerCalc Lite allows you to copy the results of your calculations to the Clipboard and paste the contents of the Clipboard for your use.


Registration

PowerCalc Lite is a shareware product.  You may use PowerCalc Lite on a trial basis for a sixty day period.  If you find it useful, you are encouraged to register your copy.  The cost of registration is $10.  Registration offers you the following benefits:

- Technical support

Registered users will receive 60 days free technical support.

- Manual

You will receive a disk-based reference guide in Windows Write format which you can print out to help you use PowerCalc Lite more effectively.

- Product Announcements

You will receive upgrade notices for  PowerCalc Lite and other products, along with substantial discounts on upgrades.

-To Register by Mail (Cash, Check or Money Order, US funds)

To register, choose the "Register" item on the PowerCalc Lite calculator face.  Print out the contents of this file and send in the coupon that you will find there, or just click here for an  Order Form.

-To register on-line using Compuserve:

Registration is now available online on Compuserve.  If you wish to register on Compuserve, type "GO SWREG" to enter the shareware registration forum.  PowerCalc Lite's  registration ID is 4262.

-For Site Licensing Information:

For site licensing information, please write us at the address below, or leave a message for Pat Donahue on Compuserve, 70714,2334.

-Contact Information:

PowerCalc Lite Registration

Donahue Enterprises

10693 Blue Crest Drive

Yucaipa, CA 92399

Compuserve: 70714,2334

Internet: 70714.2334@compuserve.com


RPN
RPN Logic

RPN stands for "Reverse Polish Notation."  RPN is a very powerful logic used in some types of calculators, notably HP calculators.  Those of you who are familiar with the operating logic of HP calculators can skip this introduction to RPN and begin using PowerCalc right away.

The key to RPN is the "Enter" key on the calculator.  You probably have noticed that PowerCalc does not have an ' = ' button.  The 'Enter' key takes care of the operations that you would normally associate with the ' = ' key.  To  make this clearer, let's look at an example.

Using the calculator that is supplied with Windows, you would add two numbers by pressing these keys in sequence:

2  +  2  =

and the answer of '4' would appear in the display area. Using PowerCalc, you would add two numbers together like this:

2  <Enter>  2  +

PowerCalc performs arithmetic and other mathematical functions by storing numbers onto a storage device known as The Stack.  The stack is a four-number storage register.  You may enter several numbers onto the stack to be used during your calculations.  As you will see, this will allow you to do series of computations quickly and easily without the need for the cumbersome parentheses you may be used to using.  Let's look at another example to make this a little clearer.  Suppose you wanted to find the solution to the following equation:

5 X ( 17 - 12 ) / ( 10 - 5 )

Using a 'normal' calculator, you may enter the above equation exactly as shown.  Note that you have to enter parentheses several times, slowing down your operation significantly, before you finally arrive at the correct answer of 5.  Now, look at the series of keystrokes that you would use to find the answer on PowerCalc (note that the Enter button has been abbreviated to E):

5 E 17 E 12 - X 10 E 5 - /

you have accomplished the task with the same number of keystrokes but your hand has never left the 10-key area of the keyboard, speeding your operation up substantially.  You can now see the power this program offers you for long, complicated series of calculations.  RPN, coupled with The Stack, allows you to enter several numbers to be used for intermediate results during your calculations.

Let's take a step by step look at how PowerCalc interprets the equation in the last example.

5 E	-  Enter 5 into the stack.  Display shows 5.

17 E	-  Enter 17 into the stack.  5 moves up the stack.  Display shows 17.

12 -	-  Subtract 12 from 17.  5 moves down the stack.  Display shows 5.

X	-  Multiply the result of the last operation (17 - 12) by 5.  Display shows 25.

10 E	-  Enter 10 into the stack.  Display shows 10.  25 moves up stack.

5 -	-  Subtract 5 from 10.  Display shows 5.

/ 	-  Divide 5 into 25.  Display shows 5, the correct answer.

For additional information on how the stack operates, see The Stack.


The Stack

The Stack is the data storage device that PowerCalc uses to store the numbers you enter and the intermediate results of your calculations.  It is a four number storage register with some unique properties.  The stack is arranged this way:

4.0000        <------  Last X	Last value in the X register prior to the current operation

4.0000        <------  T	The top of the stack

3.0000        <------  Z

2.0000        <------  Y

1.0000        <------  X	The bottom of the stack; this member is always displayed.

You can view the stack at any (or all) times using the Stack Viewer included with PowerCalc.  Choose the Stack Viewer item under the User menu to see the stack.

The entries of the stack are referred to as X, Y, Z, T and Last X.  X is represented in the display.  When you enter a number into PowerCalc, the stack is bumped up.  The number you entered becomes the new X value, the previous X becomes Y, the previous Y becomes Z, and the previous Z becomes T.  The previous T is lost.  Last X stores the prior value of the X register that may or may not be used depending on your next operation.   Thus PowerCalc maintains a four-number database upon which you can nest calculations for complex algebraic formulas.

When you operate on a number in PowerCalc, for example, if you add two numbers together, the opposite occurs to the stack: the stack is bumped down.  If you were to add two numbers, the operator '+'  would combine the X and Y values, place the X value in the display, place the previous Z value in the Y register, and place the previous T value in the Z register.  The previous T value would be preserved.

Numbers are first entered into the stack, then operated on.  This is different from the way a 'normal' calculator works.  With an average calculator, you would enter a number, choose an operator such as +,  -,  *, or /,  then enter another number and press = .  With PowerCalc, you would enter both numbers, then hit +.

The best way to get a feel for how the Stack works is to use the Stack Viewer included with PowerCalc.  Choose the Stack Viewer item under the User menu to see the stack, and do a few operations with PowerCalc.  You will see how the Stack stores and uses numbers for your calculations.


Operations and Numeric Functions
Operation and Numeric Functions

PowerCalc offers you a full complement of scientific calculator functions, as well as functions you may not be able to find elsewhere.  Click on any of the calculator buttons below to receive help on specific functions, menu items or other choices.


Keyboard / Mouse Integration

PowerCalc offers you full use of the mouse for all your calculations.  However, there will be times when you will find it to your advantage to use the keyboard exclusively.  This will be useful, for example, when you want to perform complicated operations quickly, so that you are not forced to skip between the mouse and the keyboard.  For this reason, all of PowerCalc's functions may be accessed through the keyboard.  Once you have learned the keyboard keys for the fuctions you use most, you will be surprised at the speed at which you can calculate.

For a summary of keys used to substitute for mouse operation, see Keyboard Shortcuts


Keyboard Shortcuts

Summarized below are the keyboard shortcuts for all of PowerCalc's functions.  You can use the keyboard instead of the mouse at any time using the key(s) from the table below.

Calculator Button	Keyboard Shortcut

Preferences:	P

square root	Insert

log	Home

ln	Pg Up

%	<Ctrl>P

x!	<Ctrl>X

->Hr	H

Sto	S

Rcl	R

sin	Delete

cos	End

tan	Pg Dn

x <> y	X

->rd	D

1/x	(left arrow)

chs	(right arrow)

eex	(up arrow)

roll down	(down arrow)

Clx	<Ctrl>L

In addition to the buttons being accessible by Keyboard shortcuts, the 'Shift'  functions are also available.  These appear as white text above the buttons, and are accessed by first pressing the Shift key on the keyboard, and then pressing the keyboard shortcut key that corresponds to the button directly below the text.  These functions are summarized as follows:

Calculator Button	Keyboard Shortcut

x squared	Shift, Insert

10 to the x power	Shift, Home

e to the x power	Shift, Pg Up

y to the x power	Shift, <Ctrl>P

pi	Shift, <Ctrl>X

->hms	Shift, H

sin-1	Shift, Delete

cos-1	Shift, End

tan-1	Shift, Pg Dn

hyp	Shift, X

->deg	Shift, D


Data Exchange

PowerCalc Lite includes the ability to use the Windows Clipboard.  You can use this to exchange information between applications.  You can export the display number from PowerCalc Lite, and you may import into the display a number from any other application that supports the Clipboard.


PowerCalc Technical Support
Technical Support

Registered users will receive 60 days of free technical support upon registration of their copy.  If you are an unregistered user of PowerCalc, you may contact Technical Support with any questions you may have regarding the working of PowerCalc.

For questions regarding PowerCalc, you may reach the author at the address below or leave a message for Pat Donahue on Compuserve, 70714,2334.  Internet users: e-mail may be addressed to 70714.2334@compuserve.com.

PowerCalc

Donahue Enterprises

10693 Blue Crest Drive

Yucaipa, CA 92399


PowerCalc Lite Order Form
Order Form

To order your copy of PowerCalc Lite, use the print item above to print out the form below.

**********     PowerCalc Lite Registration     **********

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please register my copy of PowerCalc Lite.

______________________________________________

Name

______________________________________________       ____  3.5" disk

Company Name

______________________________________________       ____  5.25" disk

Address

______________________________________________

City,State,Zip

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mail the above coupon, along with $10 in U.S. funds (cash, check or money order) to:

PowerCalc Lite

Donahue Enterprises

10693 Blue Crest Drive

Yucaipa, CA 92399

U.S.A.

Sending cash is O.K.  Otherwise, make check or money order payable to Donahue Enterprises.

For site licensing information, please contact Donahue Enterprises at the

address above. For any questions regarding PowerCalc Lite, you may reach the author

at the above address or leave a message for Pat Donahue on Compuserve,

70714,2334.


User Menu

The User menu at the top of PowerCalc contains the following item:

Stack Viewer:  allows you to view the stack at any time.  For more information, see The Stack.


Angle type

Prompts you whether to display and process angles as decimal degrees, radians or hours, minutes and seconds.


Number of decimal digits

Prompts you to enter the number of places you want displayed after the decimal point.  The maximum number of places is 9.


Display type

Prompts you to Enter whether to display number in fixed (decimal) or scientific notation.


PowerCalc Full Version
Information About PowerCalc

In addition to PowerCalc Lite, Donahue Enterprises also offers PowerCalc, which is a full-featured calculator program that feaures a programming language, statistics support, and a recordable 'tape' that remembers your entries.  The full version of PowerCalc costs $24.95.  The price includes technical support and a printed manual.  Users of PowerCalc Lite who wish to upgrade to PowerCalc will receive full credit toward purchase of PowerCalc.

If you wish to try PowerCalc out, a shareware version is available on numerous bulletin boards and information services.  Look for the file "PCLC20.EXE", which is a self-extracting archive containing PowerCalc.