Sketch

Intro: ------ Sketch is a utility for making fast sketches and diagrams. It implements "joystick-like" cursor control using the keys surrounding the L on the Psion keyboard. It draws straight lines or dots, and can load small .PIC files with symbols. Version 0.8 adds the ability to enter lines of text. This is an beta release of Sketch. Note: this program does not work on the PC-3a Emulator. Updates will be posted on the Compuserve PALMA forum. Installation: ------------- The file SKETCH.ZIP contains the following files: SKETCH07.OPA - Psion 3a application file README.TXT - this file FILE_ID.DIZ - short description LIGHT.PIC - traffic light symbol for intersections WATER.PIC - water symbol for lakes or bays AIRPORT.PIC - airport symbol RAIL.PIC - railroad crossing symbol 1 - Copy SKETCH07.OPA into the \APP directory on either M:, A:, or B: 2 - Create a \PIC directory on the same drive if it's not already there. 3 - Copy the file LIGHT.PIC into \PIC 4 - Install the application on the system screen. Instructions: ------------- The program is not complex. I've tried to implement "trackpoint" or joystick control of a cursor on the screen, using an area of the keyboard. the letter L is at the center and keys surrounding it cause the cursor to move when they are pressed. The farther away the key - the faster the cursor moves. Try using your thumb, but don't use the tip, instead use the broad part since there are four keys which respond differently if pressed in combination. Pressing the Tab key causes a trail to be left or a line to be stretched. Help is disabled for obvious reasons. Menu will bring up a set of options. And the diamond key changes between Line mode and Dot mode. Try the following tests: 1 - Turn off key-clicks for your test. It is very distracting for this application. Also, IGNORE THE FUNCTIONALITY YOU NORMALLY ASSOCIATE WITH THE ARROW KEYS. They have different functionality in this program 2 - Try drawing curvy shapes, they tend to give the best results. Curves come out great if you don't lift your finger from the keys. Lifting your fingers causes the cursor to quickly decelerate. 3 - Straight lines in Dot mode work good going left, right or up. Down is difficult to do, as it requires "<" and ">" to be pressed together. Use Line mode for lines. Hold down the tab key until the line is the right length. 4 - Try signing your name in cursive. Don't lift your fingers from the drawing keys unless you need to make an abrupt stop or reversal. Look at the screen not your fingers. 5 - Draw a map to your house. Use line mode for straight streets, and dot mode for curving streets. Load the LIGHT.PIC file at the cursor position to indicate traffic lights. Movement keys *,/,-,+,P,O,0,9,I,K,J,M,"space","help",<,>,"down","left","up" Modifier keys "tab","left-shift" History: ------- V0.8 - Added text entry. - Added ability to respond properly to system messages. - Added additional .PIC files for drawing maps. V0.7 - First release. Disclaimer: ----------- Use Sketch at your own risk. No warranty is given nor implied. This program is Freeware. The author reserves ALL RIGHTS. Reverse translation of this program is forbidden. Copyright 1995 Calvin Grier 76330.3425@compuserve.com