Plot Tools Version 1.5 19 Jan 00 Update Setup The setup process described in the Plot Tools manual has been revised since the manuals printing and the following instructions should be followed: 1. For best results, there should be no other applications running during setup. On a Windows 3.x system, only Program Manager and File Manager should be running. 2. Insert the setup disk into your floppy drive. 3. From the Program Manager select Run. 4. Type A:\setup (for Drive a, b: for Drive b, etc). 5. The setup program will verify that the setup files are on the same drive as the setup program. 6. The setup program will verify the directory where you want to install Plot Tools. 7. The setup program will: a. Copy the Plot Tools application files to the directory selected. b. Determine which system files must be copied to your system; file does not already exist or Plot Tools has a newer version. c. Make a backup copy of old system files in the Backup Directory. d. Copy necessary system files to the system directory. 8. The setup program will create the "PLOTTOOL" Program Item. During setup, some system files may be in use. The dialog which is displayed will now include version information for both the new and old system files so that you can tell whether you have the latest version. During the setup process, the setup program is writing a log file and a backout file. These files can be found within the BACKUP subdirectory of the Plot Tools directory. Each setup will create a subdirectory to hold the backup system files, the log, and the backout file. For example, after the first setup you can find the log at C:\PLOTTOOL\BACKUP\BACK0000\LOG.TXT. BACKOUT.BAT is a batch file which will copy all saved system files back where they came from. Note, if you should perform subsequent setups in the same directory the setup program will create sequential subdirectories (BACK0001, BACK0002, etc). If you have problems during setup or after setup and want to remove Plot Tools, do the following: 1. Using the File Manager or Explorer, double click on C:\PLOTTOOL\BACKUP\BACK0000\BACKOUT.BAT. This will restore the system files. 2. Using the File Manager or Explorer, delete the PLOTTOOL directory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plot Tools consists of three programs which can be of assistance to the JN/N student or instructor: CLSPLOT Plots points, intercepts, and vectors on a Constant Latitude Scale chart. The user specifies mid latitude and longitude for the plot and the program will reproduce the scales and markings of the USPS Form CLS86. When printed, the plot should accurately overlay Form CLS86 and thereby provide a means for checking sight reduction plots. The printed form differs from a correctly plotted CLS86 form by printing the longitude scale on the lowest latitude line, rather than at the bottom of the page. This deviation was necessary to maintain scale and avoid printing outside the print area. There are two ways to plot points: 1. When the latitude and longitude are already known, these values are entered into the Lat/Lon position fields. Next the desired symbol is selected by clicking on the SYMBOL button and choosing a symbol from the popup menu. Finally, the PLOT button is selected and the point is entered into the points list and drawn in the plot area. 2. When the latitude and longitude are not known, the cursor may be used to select the Lat/Lon position. Whenever the cursor is moved into the plot area, it will change to a "cross hair" and the CURSOR panel will be updated with latitude, longitude, and the range and bearing from the "reference point" to the cursor. Clicking on a point in the plot area will enter the cursors position as a new "reference point" and add it to the points list for plotting. The significance of the "reference point" is that the Lat/Lon are printed on the CLS chart. This may be used to record a fix or estimated position. The location of the "reference point" may be determined by the readout above the plot and a dotted line highlight (both are red in color). Intercepts and vectors use the Lat/Lon position as a reference. Distance is entered as nautical miles and the A/T button is used to select Away or Toward. Azimuth is entered in the Zn field. To plot an intercept, click on the INTERCEPT button. To plot a vector, click on the VECTOR button. To alter the Lat/Lon position using the entered distance and direction, click on the MOVE TO button. This will not plot any lines, it will only change the Lat/Lon position. A temporary range/bearing vector may be displayed from the reference point to the cursor position by holding down the shift key while dragging the cursor across the plot area. The shift key must be pressed before pressing the mouse button, otherwise you will have a new reference position. Points, intercepts, and vectors are accumulated in a list. The CLEAR button empties the list and erases the plot. A "Delete Item" button provides for clearing individual entries in the list. The REF button lets you make the Lat/Lon of a point in the list the "reference point". The Save button provides for saving the mid Lat/Lon and the plot data in the list. The user will be prompted for a file name to store the file. The file is a text file. The Load button restores the data previously saved and displays the plot. MERIDIAN This program will display and print Meridian Diagrams, Time Diagrams, and a version of the Meridian Diagram used to calculate Great Circle Cn and Distance. The program draws a true ellipse rather than a circular arc. The resultant plot will therefore vary from the students manual plot, but the result is in fact more accurate. The Meridian Diagram features plots of the Celestial Horizon System and the Celestial Equator System. Parameters for each system are entered in the panels labeled Horizon and Equator. Lat/Lon of the observers position are entered separately. Checkboxes are provided to hide either of the systems and to enable or disable display of construction lines. Selecting the Print button will print a Median Diagram and Time Diagram. The Time Diagram utilizes data from the Meridian Diagram plus the name of the Body, UT, and (if the body is a star) SHA. The Time Diagram is selected by clicking on the large button beneath the diagram. This button cycles from Meridian to Time to Great Circle and back to Meridian. Selecting the Print button will print a Median Diagram and Time Diagram The Great Circle Diagram changes the labels on the form to reflect the parameters used in the determination of initial course and distance for Great Circle sailing from L1, Lo1 to L2, Lo2. Selecting the Print button will print a Great Circle Diagram. NAVQUIZ This program is intended to "drill" the JN/N student in three areas. Navigational Coordinates, Horizon/Angles, and the Meridian Diagram. This initial form provides three buttons for selection of each area. Navigational Coordinates This form presents the user with a "Navigational Item" and prompts for up to three pieces of information: Measured From, Measured Along, and Measured To. Text boxes are provided to enter the data. Note: the program does not look at the data entered, the boxes are provided as a place to record your answer. After entering the answer, the user may view the correct answer by clicking on the "Show Answer" button. If the user feels their answer is correct, they will click on the "Right" button otherwise the click on the "Wrong" button. You are on your honor. The number of correct and incorrect answers is accumulated and displayed. After the user has answered each question correctly the number of times specified in the "Correct Answer Threshold" box, the program will move to the Horizons/Angles form. The threshold may be changed to require more correct answers if desired. Changing the threshold resets the correct/incorrect tally. It should be noted that the list of questions has been expanded beyond Navigational Coordinates so that the definition of Civil Twilight, SHA of the Sun on 21 March, and other concepts could be included.. Horizons/Angles This form displays a diagram of the horizons and angles which come into play when taking a sight of the Sun's Lower Limb and reducing it. Click on "Next" to get the next question then click on the points which define the asked for horizon or angle. When all points have been selected, the user clicks on "Check My Answer". A correct answer increments the correct answer tally and calls up the next question. An incorrect answer is recorded and a "Sorry" box displayed. Further attempts may be made to get the correct answer. Audio encouragement is available by turning off the "Sound Off" checkbox. If you are having difficulty finding the correct answer, click on the "Show Me" button. Meridian This form works the same way as Horizons/Angles except the diagram is of a Meridian Diagram..Order of selection is important. A "Show Me" button is provided to display the right answer when you are stumped. Execution The Plot Tools program may be run by double clicking on its icon or by running it from the Program Manager or File Manager. When the program begins execution, it will display its About Screen showing version information. The About Screen is shown for 15 seconds or until you click on the screen. After the About Screen has been removed, a "toolbar" will appear in the upper left corner of your display indicating "Plot Tools". The "toolbar" contains 4 icons which are used to select the other programs. Moving the mouse cursor over an icon will display the function it will activate (About, CLS Plot, Quiz, Meridian, Quit). Double click on the icon to activate the function. Dave Hinders, N dlhboat@frontiernet.net