June 10, 1993 -- An enhanced and updated version of QBALL, a menu-driven
application for the rapid computation of ballistics data for small arms,
was released on June 1, 1993.

QBALL produces tables showing remaining bullet velocity and energy,
projectile height above or below the line of sight, wind deflections for
"standard" or user-defined crosswinds, and times of flight. Tables may be
displayed, saved to disk, and printed out as hardcopy. Other routines
allow calculation of ballistic coefficients, point-blank range,
corrections for slant (up or downhill) fire, sectional density, and gun
free recoil.

A new, 502-entry bullet lookup facility allows entry of the appropriate
manufacturer, bullet weight, and ballistic coefficient for use in
ballistics computations. Bullet Lookup is available only on
graphics-equipped (CGA/EGA/VGA) computers.

Up to 16 sets of trajectory data may be graphically displayed on a CGA or
EGA (recommended) monitor. Graphics trajectory data may be saved to disk,
and recalled for later use at any time.

Two new utilities translate QBALL'S graphics from EGA to CGA, or CGA to EGA
standard, as applicable, and read range tables which have been saved to
disk. Both utilities may be accessed from within QBALL, or used as
stand-alone executables.

QBALL automatically determines whether a graphics card/monitor is
installed. QBALL will compute, display, save, and print purely tabular
data in the absense of graphics equipment.

QBALL's display, and several of its functions may be changed using the
built-in configuration routines. Screen colors may be set as desired by
the user. The user may fine-tune QBALL to use data specific to a
particular weapon/cartridge, e.g., its name, and the height of the
weapon's sights above the bore. QBALL is also able to calculate and
display data wing metric values for range. Meteorological (weather)
conditions may be specified to allow for variations from standard. Printer
prompts may be suppressed, should no printer be present; "alert" beeps,
chirps, and squeals may be toggled on or off. QBALL's starting values may
be modified and saved for later use.

Limited on-line, context-sensitive help is available on graphics equipped
computers. Error trapping prevents data input which is outside QBALL's
ability to use effectively. Upon incorrect/out-of-range data entry, an
appropriate error message is displayed, which in itself constitutes
additional on-line (and context-sensitive) help.

The revised on-disk user's manual includes a "tutorial," several schematic
illustrations of screen displays, many examples, a glossary, a
bibliography, sections on data comparison and analysis, and an index. As
distributed, the manual is set up to print all the odd-numbered pages on
one side of a "deck" of fanfold paper; the even-numbered pages are printed
on the reverse side. (This feature saves paper: there are 76 pages in the
manual, requiring but 38 sheets for their printing.) An included utility,
ONEDOC.COM, combines the two user's manual files for those preferring a
consolidated document file.

QBALL was written with the "least common denominator" in mind. It is fully
functional on 8088 or similarly equipped computers, and does not require a
hard disk to run, although a hard disk is recommended. QBALL has been
tested and found to function on several different machines, including an
EGA-equipped AT clone running MS-DOS 4.01, 5, and 6, and an
LCD/CGA-equipped laptop with a V20 CPU, running MS-DOS 3.3. QBALL will
also run in the Windows 3.X "DOS box," but will not function in OS/2
protected mode.

QBALL is distributed as shareware, or try-before-you-buy software. An
evaluation copy, which includes a sixty-day limited use license, may be
obtained from the author, Benjamin W. Hartley, Forest Park Estates #103,
Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA, for a postage and handling fee of $7.50. The
registered edition, including and unlimited use license, a printed manual,
entitlement to one free major upgrade, direct-from-the-author support, and
a Bullet Lookup Maintenance utility may be obtained for $25.00. An
information brochure is available upon request; send a long stamped
envelope to the author. Inquiries may be e-mailed to the author at
CompuServe 70033,2612.

==========================================================
From the America Online -- New Product Information Service
==========================================================
This information was processed from data provided by the
above mentioned company. For additional details, contact 
the company at the address or telephone number indicated.
==========================================================
All submissions for this service should be addressed to:
BAKER ENTERPRISES, 20 Ferro Dr, Sewell, NJ 08080 U.S.A.
Email:  RBakerPC  (AOL),   rbakerpc@aol.com  (Internet)
==========================================================
