

 
                     README   AUTOMATE  UTILITY-Pak
 
                   Version 2.0      August 25, 1994
 
                    (C) Copyright 1993, 1994 Boyd W. Penn
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 The UTILITY-Pak is a collection of pre-written QuickBasic programs designed to
 be "bolted-on"  as supporting  modules to  user programs.  In general the only
 programming involved  in  using most  of  these are  to  provide COMMON SHARED
 declarations to share variables.  Certain areas are marked  where the programs
 can be customized for better fits in the user program.
 
 Some programs are collections  of routines that  are designed to be  used by a
 clipping or cut/paste method of incorporating that function into a program.
 
 This utility  is  generally written  to  have the programs  used as supporting
 files for control programs.  Some can be used by  themselves but they are most
 useful when used as demonstrated in the file U_TUTOR.
 
 This file gives a short description of their function.
 
 The .EXE  type files  are generally  compiled  files which are  intended for a
 quick peek demostrations at how the functions operate.
 
 Most of  these  programs contain interrupt  or assembly language  related type
 statements. They cannot be run under the QBASIC of DOS as it does not have the
 necessary support  files for  these type  programs.  These type  programs also
 require that the  main module/program be  loaded into QuickBasic  using the /L
 option.
 
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 Filename                      Description
 
 BANDBOX.BAS    A utility that plays military type bugle tunes, music
                or sounds by a number type identification system. These
                functions can be called by other utilities, control
                programs or any other program. Generally this is used as
                a supporting module. The program is written in QuickBasic 4.5.
 
 BANDBOX.EXE    An executable demonstration type program that plays the
                selections available from the BANDBOX. This program plays
                the tune, music or sound and gives the name of that selection.
                This program can be used to learn the various selections
                available. This program plays all 45 selections available
                by the utility.
 
 BANDBOX.DOC    This manual describes and gives background, understanding
                and uses for the BANDBOX in control programs.
 
 BIN2DATA.EXE   A utility that can convert a executable binary file,
                (.COM or .EXE) into its hexidecimal DATA statement
                equivalents. This is used to enable assembly language
                programs to be able to be embedded and run from within
                QuickBasic programs. This must be loaded with the /L Option.
 


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 BIN2DATA.DOC   The manual for BIN2EXE.EXE.
 
 CHECKPRN.BAS   A utility to check for a printer ready to receive output
                with no alarms on either LPT1 or LPT2. This normally used
                as a  supporting module to other programs. It is written in
                QuickBasic 4.5. It can be customized for a number of uses.
                Normally it is called by another program whenever this
                function is desired. This must be loaded with the /L option.
 
 CHECKPRN.EXE   A compilied file to see what this function looks like. Run
                this file with the printer on and then with the printer off.
 
 CHECKPRN.DOC   The manual for CHECKPRN.BAS.
 
 CLRSTEST.BAS   A utility that shows the sixteen color BIOS code combinations
                as digital values. This utility can be used to POKE the
                attribute code values to memory and control the foreground and
                background colors of any screen display item. This utility also
                contains two pages of all symbols that can be displayed on a
                computer screen and their ASCII code identifications. This
                program is used in conjunction with PRNCOMLN to enable writing
                more advanced graphic displays. Program is written in
                QuickBasic 4.5. It is normally used as a programming aide and
                loaded as a supporting module that can be accessed while
                programming in QuickBasic to determine the required values.
                The included Tutor demonstrates how to use this file.
 
 CLRSTEST.EXE  A demonstration program to give a quick look at CLRSTEST.
 
 PRNCOMLN.BAS  A utility that gives control over building screen displays.
               This utility allows for writing on the COMMAND line and anywhere
               else on the screen with any ASCII symbol in any of the supported
               colors. Generally this file is used in a copy, clip or cut type
               manner. The included Tutor demonstrates how to do these
               functions.
 
 CLRSTEST.DOC  The manual that describes the purpose, capabilities and how to
               use CLRSTEST. This manual covers the use of both CLRSTEST and
               PRNCOMLN files to write more advanced graphics screens.
 
 
 DIRECTOR.BAS  A utility to access and read the directory of any drive A to G
               on a computer system and display that directory on a screen
               window from within any QuickBasic program. This program is
               written in QuickBasic 4.5. This program is generally intended to
               be used as a supporting module to another program. It can be
               customized to have the user program select the drive to be read
               and then call the DIRECTOR program. This program usage is
               covered in the included Tutor program. This must be loaded with
               the /L Option. The included Tutor shows how to use this function
               as a supporting file via a graphic with Mouse control.
 
 DIRECTOR.EXE  A demonstration execuable file to give a quick peek at how the
               director function can be used.
 
 DIRECTOR.DOC  The manual for the DIRECTOR function.




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 MOUSE.BAS     A supporting utility that allows for incorporating a mouse into
               QuickBasic programs.  Generally this is a "bolt-on" feature that
               the user program calls to do the mouse functions. The user
               program must develop the mouse polling instructions. This
               function is covered at length in the included Tutor. This
               program is written in QuickBasic. The Tutor shows how to use
               the Mouse via a graphic display to do X-10 control.
 
               Any program using this capability must be loaded in QuickBasic
               using the /L option. The mouse driver that came with the mouse
               must be loaded prior to using these features.
 
 MOUSE.DOC     The manual that describes the purpose, the functions and how to
               use the mouse support in QuickBasic programs.
 
 MOUSED1.BAS   An example program of how to develop a QuickBasic program using
               the MOUSE.BAS program as the starting point and main module.
 
               This program must be loaded in QuickBasic using the /L option.
               The mouse driver that came with the mouse must be loaded prior
               to using these features.
 
               This program shows how to turn the Mouse function On/Off, do
               X-10 control via a graphic display, have the graphic be
               interactive and do integrated control, display and status
               functions together.
 
 MOUSED1.EXE   A demonstration execuable file to give a quick peek at what the
               MOUSED1.BAS Program Mouse features and capabilities look like.
 
               The mouse driver that came with the mouse must be loaded prior
               to using this program.
 
 MOUSED2.BAS   An example program written over the MOUSE.BAS module that
               features the use of a graphic display for interactive lighting
               control via the mouse. Lights can be turned on/off or adjusted
               to one of sixteen brightness levels by direct clicks on a
               brightness number in the display. The display changes to reflect
               the lighting status of all lamps. X-10 control is initiated
               directly via the mouse clicks on the graphic display.
 
               This program must be loaded in QuickBasic using the /L option.
               The mouse driver that came with the mouse must be loaded prior
               to using these features.
 
 
 MOUSED2.EXE   A demonstration execuable file to give a quick peek at what the
               program MOUSED2.BAS looks like.
 
               The mouse driver that came with the mouse must be loaded prior
               to using this program.
 
 PEEKPOKE.BAS  A collection of PEEK and POKE routines for use in writing
               control programs.
 
 PEEKPOKE.EXE  A executable file that shows some of the results of using
               PEEK or POKE routines.
 


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 READJOYP.BAS  An interrupt based routine for reading all four analog and
               contact inputs to the gamecard in a very efficient and fast
               manner. These routines can be incorporated into control
               programs to subsitute for the BASIC commands STICK and STRIG.
 
 READJOYP.EXE  A compiled demonstration file of the interrupt based method of
               reading the gamecard inputs.
 
 INTERRPT.BAS  A collection of useful interrupt based routines for using in
               control programs. These procedures can be cut or clipped for
               inclusion in the program.
 
 INTERRPT.EXE  A compiled demonstration file of the interrupt based routines.
 
 PEEKPOKE.DOC  The manual for explaining the background of PEEK and POKEs.
               This Manual also covers the interrupt type functions in this
               UTILITY-Pak. The Files READJOYP and INTERRPT are discussed
               in this manual.
 
 U_TUTOR.BAS   A QuickBasic program that demonstrates how to load, use or
               customize most utilities in this UTILITY-Pak. This program
               starts as a "bare frame" control program and then directs
               the user to load the various supporting programs included
               in this utility. This program must be loaded into QuickBasic
               using the /L Option.
 
               This program uses the U_TUTOR.DOC manual to walk the user
               through and demonstrates the features of each program and
               shows how it can interact with a user control program.
               This program is used in the QuickBasic programming
               environment and simulates the the actual writing of
               control programs.
 
               The user is directed in program operation, changing program
               instructions and viewing the results to simulate the design,
               writing and use of programs using these supporting utility
               programs. Various customization techniques are demonstrated.
 
 U_TUTOR.DOC   The manual that is used to "walk" the user through using the
               various utilities with a demonstration type control program.
               The U_TUTOR.BAS program is used as the framework program in
               which to show the various functions. The manual is organized
               in a step-by-step approach. Print out this file before trying
               to use U_TUTOR.BAS. This file is the working guide to using
               the UTILITY-Pak Tutor. The exact keystrokes are given for
               doing most of the functions and explanations are offered for
               what is being accomplished at each step.
 
 SEND.EXE      The X-10 communications routine. This is a duplicate of
               the file presented in the Registered Version. This file
               and GOSEND.BAT are used to send X-10 commnands via programs
               in the UTILITY-Pak.
 
 GOSEND.BAT    The Batch file used in X-10 communications techniques. This
               is a duplicate of the file presented in the Registered Version.





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 WINJOYP.EXE   An example file for reading the gamecard analog and contact
               inputs in WINDOWS. This uses the INT 15 method as WINDOWS does
               not support the STICK or any other high level method of
               accessing the gamecard. You must run this file under the Windows
               environment. It is written in GFA BASIC WINDOWS.
 
 WINJOYP.GFW    The source code for WINJOYP.EXE written in GFA BASIC WINDOWS.
 
 GAMEINT.C      The source code for reading the gamecard in C++. Thanks to
                 Ms. Dana Dominiak for the code.
 
 ASCIITSR.BAS   The source code of CLSTEST remolded for use by PowerBASIC. This
                makes the program into a TSR application. This is an example of
                retooling AUTOMATE QuickBasic source code for use in the Power
                BASIC programming environment.
 
 ASCIITSR.EXE   The ASCII value and BIOS Color combinations as a Pop-Up TSR.
                This is an example of what you can do with any of AUTOMATE's
                source code by porting it over into PowerBASIC. You can pop-up
                this program in any programming environment, QuickBasic, Power
                BASIC, Pascal, C. Sure beats searching for it in a book.
 
 GIFFER.EXE     A Utility type file that will read any GIF type digital file
                and draw the photo on a computer screen. This requires a system
                with VGA video. Use this file as demo-ed by the program EXPMSHOW.
                Pass the photo filename when calling GIFFER. Photos are
                normally full screen but may be drawn reduced size by using a /
                switch option. Refer to GIFFER.DOC and EXPMSHOW.
 
 GIFFER.DOC     The manual for the photo reading capability. This manual gives
                all the details and background for using this ability.
 
 EXPMSHOW.EXE   An example program to demo what GIFFER can do and how to use
                it. This demo shows three different photos and shows how to
                manipulate them.
 
 EXPMSHOW.BAS   The source code for EXPMSHOW in QuickBasic. Look at this for an
                example of how to call GIFFER. The source code is documented.
 
 EXPM1.GIF      The GIF file of the first photo used by EXPMSHOW.
 
 EXPM2.GIF      The GIF file of the second photo used by EXPMSHOW.
 
 EXPM3.GIF      The GIF file of the third photo used by EXPMSHOW.
 
 














