SUB_CAL
A Subset of EL_CAL: The Elementary Calculator
Version 1.14, 20 September 1989
This is a new, improved and expanded version of Sub_Cal.
Sub_Cal is a simplified version of El_Cal. The latter is a
commercial product, available from Debonair Software, while
Sub_Cal can be distributed freely as long as all the accompanying
files (including this one) remain intact.
Sub_Cal is a calculator with some extras. It will compute
arithmetic expressions entered in a human-readable form as e.g.
SQ(SIN(34-2X)-COS(34+2X))-ATN2(B,B-2^A)
If needed, the expression can then be modified and
recomputed.
Sub_Cal will also compute definite integrals (Romberg
algorithm), derivatives (three-point square approximation) or
solve equations (bisection method). It will also solve polynomial
equations up to the second degree. Simple plotting feature is
included as well.
The new Sub_Cal also allows for vector and matrix operations
(including solving of linear equation systems). Data buffer
operations are also enabled in this version (limited to 25 points;
in El_Cal all available memory can be used for data). This
includes histograms and scatter plots, point and histogram fitting
with any function, linear regression with error corridors,
polynomial regression and more.
The program uses the GEM user interface and comes with an
on-line help. It runs on any Atari ST with color or
monochrome monitor.
The following files are necessary for proper functioning of
the Sub_Cal:
* SUB_CAL.PRG - the program file,
* SUB_CAL.RSC - the resource for monochrome,
* SUB_CALC.RSC - the resource for color,
* SUB_CAL.HLP - the on-line help file (can be printed out)
All these files should be placed in the same directory (root
or folder). Please note that the PRG file is PACKed (with the
amazing Public Domain utility, PACKER; get a copy NOW!), so do not
attempt any further PACKing.
Those in need of more sophisticated numeric tools may
consider purchasing the full version of El_Cal from Debonair
Software. The features of El_Cal include statistical distributions
and user-defined functions, disk operations on data buffers
(allowing for processing the results of other programs),
histograms and scatter plots, least squares up to the 6th
degree, general data fitting with any function (up to 9
parameters) and function optimization (up to 9 variables). There
as a full-screen plotting option and screens can be saved to disk
in the Degas format. The disabled screen buttons in Sub_Cal may
give you an idea about the capabilities for El_Cal.
More information on El_Cal can be found in press reviews:
Current Notes of May 1989, and ST Informer of September 1989.
Another review is slated for the November/December issue of Atari
Explorer. Needless to say, the reviewers are quite enthustiastic
about the program; check for yourself.
If you are a more casual user, Sub_Cal can be adequate for
your needs; save your money for something else (unless you really
want to impress your friends). We do not want you to buy El_Cal if
you do not need it.
If, after trying out Sub_Cal, you decide to buy El_Cal, send
$44 (check or money order; sorry, no credit cards!) to
Debonair Software
P.O.Box 521166
Salt Lake City, UT 84152-1166
The price includes shipping within the continental U.S. and
one update. A printed manual, of course, comes with the package.
(Foreign orders please add $5 for shipping and Utah residents add
the sales tax.)
The program is written by our man on the East Coast,
Dr. J.Andrzej Wrotniak, who will be happy to answer technical
questions forwarded to him electronically:
CompuServe: 70611,2552
GEnie: J.Wrotniak
Update History:
* Version 1.0 - 13 March 1989: original
* Version 1.01 - 23 March 1989: problem with freezing on Mega
ST computers under TOS 1.2 corrected (a bug in TOS had to be
worked around!).
* Version 1.14 - 20 September 1989, based on El_Cal 1.14 (to be
released on the Fairfax Atarifest). This update includes
improved user interface and a lot of new features, most
notably the linear algebra operations.
There is a slight chance that during the downgrading of
El_Cal to Sub_Cal some bugs were introduced into the program and
not detected before distributing it. If you suspect anything
wrong, please contact the author (electronically or in writing).