Help File for Vinny Graphics Version 2.07
(Scroll through help file or use blue/purple
content links to move back and forth between
this content list and each section)
Calculator
Files
Fill Cells
Getting Started
Graph
Graph Type
Grid
Hints
Legend
Log Scale
Math
Operate on Cells
Overview
Preferences
Printing
Regression
Scale
Windows
X & Y Operations
Y Estimate
VINNY GRAPHICS is designed as a tool for science and engineering
students. It is both a graphing
and a data analysis package. The
intuitive Windows interface helps produce multi-parameter design or test data
graphs and perform simple math operations on groups of cells.
INPUT is by:
1-Cut, copy and paste
from external spread sheets.
2-Loading ascii data
files in decimal or exponential format.
3-Key board entry into a
series of internal mini spread sheets.
A dot or a comma (European format) decimal digit separation are both
accepted.
4-Loading complete graph
files.
MATH and
REGRESSION analysis work on up to
21 independent data sets in Windows 95/98/ME/XP and up to 12 independent data
sets in Windows 3.1x. Each set can
contain up to 10,000 X,Y pairs. Results
are seen graphically as changes are made.
Curve fits are 1st to 5th order polynomial, power,
exponential or log.
GRAPHS allow total freedom in setting up scales and grids. Graph dialogs provide for both automatic selection and manual
override. Log scales with up to
20 cycles for each axis are available.
OUTPUT is by:
1-Cut, copy and paste
to external spread sheets.
2-Saving complete graph
files or individual data set files.
3-Saving sizable graph
bitmap files.
4-High resolution color
graph printing.
5-Complete data set graph
files and regression coefficient printing.
You can use the following
steps to create your first graph:
1-Choose
FILE | NEW DATA to open a new mini-spread sheet (Series#1).
2-Enter
numerical data for the first X value.
3-Left
click on the cell, index 1 column Y1,
and enter the first Y value.
4-Continue
until all desired X,Y points are entered.
Tab or cursor keys can also be used to move between cells.
5-Choose
GRAPH | AUTO SCALE to display a line and point graph of the entered data with an automatically generated scale and
grid . Later you can modify these as desired.
6-Choose
WINDOW | TILE VERT to arrange windows.
7-Choose
GRAPH | SCALE to open the scale dialog.
8-Revise
the Max Min scale values manually to nice
round numbers.
9-
Click the short cut GRID
button to open the grid dialog.
10-Revise
values for Major and Minor Grids, Scale Ticks and
Decimals.
You may prefer to use AUTO X and AUTO
YL to automatically set grids,
ticks and decimals. Click OK. Click OK.
11-Right
click on series#1 mini-spread sheet to display the local pop up menu.
12-Choose
FIT
from the local pop up menu. This
item is also found under REGRESSION on the
top main menu.
13-Use
radio buttons to select an equation for regression. Click OK to close the dialog.
14-Choose
GRAPH | LEGEND | MAIN, X, Y, and SERIES, and enter desired titles.
Click OK to close each dialog.
15-Select
GRAPH | GRAPH TYPE from the top main menu. Pick the desired graph type. GRAPH TYPE is
also on the mini-spread sheet local pop up menu.
16-Hint:
If several data sets are open it is better to right click the desired data set
and use the local pop up menu. This
assures that the action is applied to the correct data set.
DATA ENTRY MODE (Small blinking cursor)
Use the cursor keys to move within the cells. Enter numeric data in decimal or exponential
format. A dot or a comma (European
format) decimal digit separation are both accepted.
CELL SELECTION MODE (Cells highlighted)
Use left mouse DRAG
or SHIFT + CURSOR keys to select
cells.
TO SWITCH BETWEEN ABOVE MODES
Use left mouse DOUBLE CLICK or CTRL + SHIFT key to
switch alternately from data entry to cell selection mode.
Y ESTIMATE MODE
This is a special data entry mode which occurs after
selecting a Y fit.
CUT, COPY and PASTE
Selected cells or highlighted data can be copied or
cut to the Windows clip board. Use the EDIT menu
items or short cut keys:
cut=CTRL+X copy=CTRL+C. Copied or cut data can be pasted into any
cells or into other applications. To
paste data into a data set, select
(i.e., left click on) the cell in the destination data set that will represent
the upper left hand corner of the block to be pasted. Then use EDIT | PASTE or CTRL+V to paste the data block.
DATA FILES (Extension=.prn)
SAVE DATA saves
the X,Y points of the active data
set in a file with a (.prn) extension.
The extension is added automatically.
Data files provide a means to save and read individual data sets. This allows different data sets to be
viewed using the same graph
settings. Data files can also be used
to import externally generated data in multiple ascii columns. Vinny Graphics reads the first column
as X values and any additional columns
as Y values. It will read up to 22
columns for Windows 95/98/ME/XP and 13 columns for Windows 3.1x. Each column can have up to 10,000 entries in
decimal or exponential format.
GRAPH FILES (Extension=.gra)
This file type saves all data sets and graph settings
in an ascii format arranged uniquely for this program. Use SAVE GRAPH
to save in this format. The
extension (.gra) is added automatically.
BITMAP FILES (Extension=.bmp)
This file type saves a Windows format bitmap of the
current graph. Its size and shape are
the same as that of the current graph display.
Use SAVE
BITMAP to save in this
format. The extension (.bmp) is added
automatically.
TEXT FILES (Extension=.txt or any)
A local text editor is provided as a convenience. Its files are saved and read in ascii
format.
NEW DATA
This menu item creates and opens a new data file. The preferences dialog is used to set
the total number of rows of blank cells.
NEW TEXT
This menu item creates and opens a new ascii file in
the local text editor.
OPEN
This menu item allows Vinny Graphics loading of
existing Data, Graph and Text files.
For Windows 95/98/ME/XP it also allows reading any file into the local
text editor.
OPEN TEXT ONLY (Windows 3.1x)
This menu item allows reading any file into the local
text editor for Windows 3.1x.
Caution: Before making any of the selections below, be sure the series number at the top of the
dialog designates the desired active data set. If it does not you can use the NEXT button to move to the desired data set.
GRAPH TYPE
Buttons
LINE
Draws
a straight line between the data points of the designated active data set.
BAR
Draws
a bar to each data point of the designated active data set. The bar width can be set using the preferences
dialog.
FIT
Draws
the selected curve fit Y = f(X) for the designated active data set.
NONE
Displays
only the data point symbols for the designated active data set.
LINE & BAR
Displays
both line and bar for the designated active data set.
LINE & FIT
Displays
both line and fit for the designated active data set.
BAR & FIT
Displays
both bar and fit for the designated active data set.
POINTS
Allows showing or hiding of data symbols for the
designated active data set.
Y AXIS
Select the left or the right Y axis scale for the
designated active data set.
NEXT
Use the NEXT button to move to and designate the next
series number as the active data set.
Grid Dialog
MAJOR GRIDS
These
are the dark lines which divide the selected axis into 1 to 20 equal sections.
MINOR GRIDS
These
are the light lines which divide the major grid sections into 1 to 10 equal
subsections.
LOG GRIDS
These
grids are drawn automatically and divide the selected axis into factor of 10
cycles and logarithmic subsections. Use
log scale to designate axis for log grids.
TICKS
These
are small marks on the selected axis which designate where scale values are to
be drawn.
DECIMALS
These
are the number of digits in the scale values to the right of the decimal point.
OK
This
button redisplays the graph with the new grid settings and closes the grid
dialog.
VIEW
This button redisplays the graph with the new grid
settings. It leaves the dialog box open for additional changes.
CLEAR
This button clears all grid settings. It does NOT clear log grids. To clear the log grids use the log scale
dialog box.
AUTO X AUTO YL AUTO YR
These buttons compute GRID,
TICK and DECIMAL values for the
selected axis. Unlike the AUTO SCALE
commands these AUTO grid buttons make
no changes in the max and min scale values.
It is therefore recommended that the desired max and min scale values be
entered into the scale dialog PRIOR to using the AUTO grid buttons. When using both AUTO YL
and AUTO YR grid buttons, the major and minor grids are set by the last AUTO grid
button clicked.
This button is a short cut to the scale dialog.
ACTIVE DATA SET
To
designate a series as the active data set,
left or right mouse click on it.
The keys CTRL+TAB can also be used to move the window focus. Note, when a series is the active data set
(i.e., has windows focus) its title is highlighted. If possible, when several data sets are open it is better to
right click the desired data set and use the local pop up menu. This assures that your desired action is
applied to the correct data set. The NEXT
button inside dialogs can also be used to designate the next series
number as the active data set.
DUPLICATE DATA
SETS
Right
click on any data set and choose DUPLICATE DATA from the local pop up menu to duplicate the
data set. This can be used to
protect original data while
performing math operations on the duplicate
set.
DUPLICATE &
EXTEND INDEX
Right
click on any data set and choose DUPLICATE &
EXTEND INDEX from the local pop up menu to duplicate the data set and
extend its index by 20 additional cells.
This adds 20 rows of blank cells at the end of the duplicated data
set. Hint: For brand new data
sets you can establish the total number
of rows of blank cells using the MAX DATA INDEX
in the preferences dialog.
Use
TILE | VERT
or TILE | HORZ to see all windows on the display at one
time. Use Cascade to see all of the
titles as the windows overlap across the display. CLOSE ALL closes all windows but does NOT clear the
graph settings. CLEAR ALL closes all
windows and also clears the graph settings.
CHANGING DATA
WHILE RETAINING GRAPH SETTINGS.
1-Choose
graph settings using an initial group of data sets.
2-Use
SAVE GRAPH or several SAVE DATA commands to save the initial group.
3-Use
WINDOWS | CLOSE ALL which leaves the graph settings unchanged.
4-Use
OPEN or NEW Data to add data sets to the current graph
settings.
5-Repeat
the above as desired with different data sets.
Note:
Individual data files can be opened or closed without affecting the
current graph settings. However, opening a graph file replaces the
current graph settings with those of the graph file being opened.
MAIN TITLE
DIALOG
The
top 3 title lines for the graph are entered in this dialog. As lines are added the grid shrinks to
accommodate them.
X AXIS TILLE
DIALOG
The
3 title lines for the X axis are entered in this dialog.
Y AXIS TITLE
DIALOG
The
title lines for the Y left axis and Y right axis are entered in this dialog.
SERIES TITLE
DIALOG (Each series data set can have its own title.)
To
enter an individual data set title, or
label, select the main menu item GRAPH | LEGEND |
SERIES. An alternate way is to right click the desired data set
or the graph and select LEGEND | SERIES from the local pop up menu.
OK
Use
the OK
button to close the series dialog.
NEXT
Use
the NEXT
button to move to and designate the next series number as the active
data set.
AUTO LABEL ALL
These
buttons, also located in the series
dialog, automatically fill ALL the
individual series labels with text as follows:
1-Series + ##
: The word “Series” followed by the data set number.
2-“Text”+##
: The text entered by the user in the edit box followed by the data set
number.
3-“Text” only
: The text entered by the user in the edit box.
4-Clear :
Clears ALL individual series labels.
CAUTION:
When using the above AUTO buttons ALL individual series labels are overwritten.
FLOATING TITLES
DIALOG (Ten floating titles can be located anywhere on the graph.)
To
enter floating titles select the main menu item GRAPH | LEGEND | FLOATING. An alternate way is to right click any data set or the graph and select LEGEND |
FLOATING from the local pop up menu.
The FLOATING
TITLES DIALOG provides space to
enter ten floating titles. Each floating title can be located on the graph
using the X
Position and Y Position following the title. After using the X and Y coordinates to
position the legend you can if desired use the mouse to relocate it.
VIEW
This
button redisplays the graph with the floating titles. It leaves the dialog box open for additional changes..
OK
Use
the OK
button to close the floating titles dialog.
LOG SCALE
Log scales can
be selected for the X or Y axis or for both. Selecting both produces a
log-log graph. Selecting X or Y
produces a semi-log graph and selecting none produces a linear scale for both
axis.
FORMAT LOG SCALE
The numerical format (exponential or decimal) of the
log scale values, written along side
the X and Y axis, can be selected using
the format radio buttons.
AUTOMATIC LOG GRID
When a log scale is selected for an axis, the grid and the initial scale are set automatically to
multiples of 10. The user can modify
the scale and thus the number of Kcycles by using the scale dialog. Only one of the two Y axis scales
controls the number of Y cycles. By
default it is the Y left axis, unless
it is not used by any series, in which
case control switches to Y right axis.
The log scale values of the Y left and Y right axis do not have to be
the same, however the number of cycles
must be.
CALCULATOR
Use
this calculator dialog to convert the computers numeric key pad into a
Reverse Polish Notation calculator. The
RPN calculator allows direct use of key pad digits, [ +,-,*,/ ] keys, [Enter] and
[Up/Down Arrow] keys. Trigonometric and logarithmic functions are
provided by mouse clicking on dialog box buttons.
OPERATE ON
CELLS
Use
this to activate the operate on cells dialog box. This dialog box allows simple math
operations on the selected highlighted cells or on either all the X or
all the Y cells of the active data set.
The pop up operate on cells dialog box also calculates and
displays the [ Total,
Average, and Sigma ] values for
the cells in the chosen group.
Use
this to activate the fill cells dialog box. This dialog box allows
automatic filling of portions of the active data set cells with a user
defined sequence of numbers.
Use
this to activate the X & Y operations dialog box. This dialog box
allows math operations which combine the X and Y columns of the active data
set. It includes a Y cumulative sum and a integral of f(x) dx operation. It also allows interchanging,
switching, the X and Y columns
of data.
SORT X
Use
this to sort the active data set pairs on X, in ascending or descending
order. This operation also packs data,
eliminating entries which are not paired.
This
dialog box allows simple math operations on the selected highlighted cells
or on either all the X or all the Y cells of the active data set. It also calculates and displays the [ Total,
Average, and Sigma ] values for
the cells in the chosen group.
Operate on
Radio Buttons
Use
these radio buttons to choose the group of cells for subsequent math
operations. The three choices are:
1-The
selected highlighted cells of the active data set.
2-The
cells in the X column of the active data set.
3-The
cells in the Y column of the active data set.
The [ Total,
Average, and Sigma ] of the
chosen group of cells is calculated, displayed and automatically updated as
changes are made by any operation or selection.
Operation Radio
Buttons
Use
these radio buttons to choose the operation to be performed. The prescribed operation works individually
on each of the cells in the chosen group.
For some of the operations a numeric constant is required. Use the
[ Enter Constant K ] edit box to input the desired value. For the
[ Round(Cell) ] operation the constant K sets the number of
digits after the decimal point.
The calculator dialog can
be used to modify or calculate the [Constant K ].
Calculator
Button
Use
this button to open the Reverse Polish Notation calculator.
Operate Button
Use
this button to execute the chosen operation on the chosen group of cells with
the input value of K. This button is
the only button which actually changes the data values in the data set.
Caution: There is no protection from overwriting
existing data except that most operations have a logical inverse. Do NOT use this button until the desired
group of cells, the math operation and the constant value have all been chosen
and entered.
OK Button
Use
this button to close the dialog box.
Note:
This button does not perform any operation other than closing the dialog
box. Use the Operate button to change
the data set values.
Copy Button
This
button also closes the dialog box and sends the current values of [ Total,
Average, and Sigma ] to the
Windows clipboard for later pasting.
NEXT
Use
the NEXT
button to move to and designate the next series number as the active data
set.
This
dialog converts the computers numeric key pad into a Reverse Polish Notation
calculator. It allows direct use of key
pad digits, [ +,-,*,/ ] keys,
[Enter] and [Up/Down Arrow] keys.
Trigonometric and logarithmic functions are provided by mouse clicking
on dialog box buttons. Numbers can be input in decimal or exponential format.
A period or a comma (European format) can be used to separate the hole
number digits from the decimal digits.
Values computed in the X register can be copied to the Windows
clipboard. When using the operate on
cells dialog the constant K is
automatically transferred to and from the calculator X register.
KEYBOARD KEYS
[ENTER]
KEY
The
calculator is set up with a four register stack. In most RPN calculators only the bottom register is displayed to
the user. This calculator displays all
four registers. They are:
T:
T or top register.
Z:
Z register.
Y:
Y register.
X:
X or working register.
The
X register is used for data entry and display of all results. All other registers are read only and are
displayed for information and to help in understanding the operation of RPN.
When a digit is keyed in from the numeric key pad it appears in the X
register. When all the desired digits
are keyed in for a given number the user presses the computer [Enter] key to complete the data entry. This pushes the X value into the Y register,
the Y value into the Z register and the Z value into the T register. Note the
value in the T register is pushed off the stack and is lost. Each time the [Enter] key is struck the
stack is pushed up one notch.
[UP/DOWN]
ARROWS KEYS
The
[Up] and [Down] arrow keys roll the registers as follows:
[Up]: X=T;
Y=X; Z=Y; T=Z
[Down]: X=Y;
Y=Z; Z=T; T=X
[+] [-] [*] [/]
KEYS
The
plus, minus, multiply and divide keys operate as follows:
[+]:
X = Y + X
[-]: X = Y -
X
[*]:
X = Y * X
[/]: X = Y /
X
After
any of these operations the stack is moved down one notch as follows:
X
= Result of operation;
Y=Z;
Z=T;
T=T
As
you can see the value in the T resister is duplicated in the Z register. This automatic downward movement of the
stack in RPN calculators makes chain calculations very convenient.
[Page Down]
[Page Up] KEYS CHANGE SIGN OF X AND EXPONENT OF X
The
[Page Down] key has been designated to act as a sign change key for the value
in the X register. (ie The [Page
Down] key toggles the X register value
between plus and minus.) The [Page Up]
key has been designated to act as sign change key for the exponent of the value
in the X register. ( ie The [Page Up] key toggles the X register exponent value
between plus and
minus.)
[CTRL C] [CTRL
X] [CTRL V]
[Ctrl
C] Copies the selected part of the entry in the X, Y, Z or T registers to the
Windows clipboard. The last register to
have the Windows focus is copied. If
you wish to copy a register using the [Ctrl] short cut keys you must first
highlight or select the entry or register.
If the last register to have the Windows focus has no text selected then
the entire register is copied.
[Ctrl
X] Copies the selected part of the entry in the X register to the Windows
clipboard and deletes that part of the entry from the X register. If nothing is selected in the X register it
copies and deletes the entire X register.
[Ctrl
V] Pastes any value in the Windows clipboard into the X register and moves the
stack up one notch.
DIALOG BUTTONS
ENTER, +, -, *, /,
Left
mouse clicking these dialog buttons works the same as striking the
corresponding keyboard keys.
CA, CX, YX, R, EDIT X
Left
mouse clicking these dialog buttons provides extra register control as follows:
C:
Clears all registers values.
CE:
Clears X register value.
XY:
Interchanges X an Y register values.
R:
Down rolls register values. X=Y; Y=Z;
Z=T; T=X
Edit
X: Allows editing of the digits in the number in the X register.
+/- , Y^X , SQRT(X),
X^2, 1/X , E+/-
Left
mouse clicking these dialog buttons performs the following functions:
+/-:
Changes the sign of the X register value.
Y^X:
Sets X=Y^X and moves the rest of the stack down one notch.
SQRT(X):
Sets X=X^0.5 and has no other effect on the stack.
X^2:
Sets X=X^2 and has no other effect on the stack.
1/X:
Sets X= 1/X and has no other effect on the stack.
E+/-:
Changes the sign of the exponent of the X register value.
DEG/RAD,
DEG>RAD, RAD>DEG
Left
mouse clicking these dialog buttons performs the following functions:
DEG/RAD:
Alternately changes the trigonometric functions units from working with degrees
to radians and back again. The word
degree or radian is displayed on the dialog
box in red to indicate the current trigonometric units state.
DEG>RAD:
Converts the X register value from degrees to radians.
RAD>DEG:
Converts the X register value from radians to degrees.
TRIGONOMETRIC
AND LOGRITHMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Left
mouse clicking these dialog buttons performs the indicated function on the
value in the X register and has no other effect on the stack.
STO, RCL
In
addition to the stack registers one extra internal memory register (M) is
provided. Data can be stored and
recalled from this memory location by left mouse clicking the STO and RCL buttons. The STO button sets M=X. The RCL button sets X=M and moves the stack
up one notch.
Copy, Paste
Clicking
the Copy button copies the entire value in the X, Y, Z or T register to the Windows clipboard. The last register to have the Windows focus
is copied. If you wish to copy a
register value you must first select the register by left clicking on it with
the mouse. Clicking the Paste button pastes any value in the Windows clipboard
into the X register and moves the stack up one notch. The Windows shortcut keys [CTRL C] can be used to copy a
selected portion of a register entry.
These functions provide for data transfer between Vinny RPN Calculator
and other Windows applications. They
can also be used as an additional storage register.
Top, Back
The
[Top/Back] button is used to make the calculator window either stay on top or
allow it to be hidden by other windows.
When the button displays BACK the calculator window is set to stay on top. When the button displays TOP the calculator
windows can be covered by other applications.
Shrunk, Trig
The
[Shrink/Trig] button changes the calculator window size. When the button displays TRIG the calculator
window size has been reduced by eliminating the log and trig functions. When the button displays SHRINK the
calculator window is at full size and the log and trig functions are available.
DATA FORMAT
Decimal or Exponential
If
the result of a calculation is to large or to small it is automatically
displayed in exponential format. For example:
The
decimal number:
1 230 000 000 000 000 is displayed as 1.23E+15.
The
decimal number:
0.000
000 000 000 001 23 is displayed as 1.23E-15.
Numbers
can be input in decimal or exponential
format. A period or a comma
(European format) can be used to separate the hole number digits from the
decimal digits. Use the [Page Up] key
or the E+/- button to change the sign of the exponent value.
Math Fill Cells
This dialog box allows automatic filling of a portion
of the active data set cells with a user defined sequence of numbers.
Operate on Radio Buttons
Use these radio buttons to choose the group of cells
for subsequent fill operations. The two
choices are:
1-The cells in the X column of the active data set.
2-The cells in the Y column of the active data set.
Selected Fill Limits
Use these four edit boxes to enter values for:
1-Start Index: The cell index number for the first
sequence value.
2-Stop Index: The cell index number for the last
sequence value.
3-Start Value: The value of the first number in the
sequence.
4-Step Value: The increase in value from one cell to
the next.
Operate Button
Use this button to fill the chosen group of cells with
a user defined sequence of numbers.
This button is the only button which actually changes the data values in
the data set.
Caution: There is no protection from overwriting
existing data. Do NOT use this button
until the desired group of cells is chosen and the sequence start index, stop
index, start value and step value have all been entered.
OK Button
Use this button to close the dialog box.
Note: This button does not perform any operation other
than closing the dialog box. Use the
Operate button to fill a portion of the data set with the user defined sequence
of numbers.
NEXT
Use the NEXT button to move to and designate the next series
number as the active data set.
Math X & Y Operations
X & Y Operations Radio Buttons
Use these buttons to choose the desired operation.
Switch X & Y Operation
This operation interchanges each pair of X & Y
cell values.
Y = Sum(Y) Operation
This operation first sorts data on X ascending. Then for each succeeding X value it cumulates a running sum of Y and
uses it to replace the original Y
values.
Y = Integral of f(x) dx
Operation
This operation first sorts data on X ascending. Then
it computes the area under Y=f(x) data set as a cumulative function of X and uses it to replace the
original Y values. Each area element equals the average value
of Y for the current and proceeding point times the difference in X values for
the same two points.
Operate Button
Use this button to execute the chosen operation. This button is the only button which
actually changes the data values in the data set. For the [ Switch X & Y ] operation each pair of X & Y cells
values are interchanged. For the other
operations the results from each pair of X & Y cells overwrites the Y cell
value.
Caution: There
is no protection from overwriting existing data except that most operations
have a logical inverse. Do NOT use this
button until the desired operation is chosen.
OK Button
Use this button to close the dialog box.
Note: This button does not perform any operation other
than closing the dialog box. Use the
Operate button to change the data set values.
NEXT
Use the NEXT button to move to and designate the next
series number as the active data set.
TOOLBAR
Show
or hide the toolbar with this menu item.
The toolbar provides shortcuts to several frequently used menu
items. Placing the mouse pointer over a
toolbar icon displays the name of the menu item shortcut. Other menu item shortcuts can be accessed by
right mouse clicking on the graph or on a data set.
PREFERENCES
DIALOG
MAX DATA INDEX
This setting changes the numbers of rows of blank
cells in the next new data set opened.
Its range is form 1 to 10,000 points.
Use the smallest value which accommodates your data. Hint: You can also right click on any
existing data set and choose DUPLICATE & EXTEND
INDEX from the local pop up menu to duplicate the data set and extend
its index by 20 additional cells. This
adds 20 rows of blank cells at the end of the duplicated data set.
BAR WIDTH
If BAR is
selected as a graph type for a data set, this parameter sets the width of the bar. The range is from 1 to 10.
PRINTER MINOR
GRID COLOR
Use these radio buttons if you are having trouble
printing out the minor graph grids. The
default option gives good results with most black and white and color printers.
PRINTER FONT
SIZE
Use the LARGE font size radio button for large title
printer output. This selection
increases the font size of the Main, X Axis and Y Axis Titles.
Note: Some very long titles may overflow allocated
space in the portrait mode when using LARGE fonts.
SAVING PREFERENCES
Preferences are saved automatically in a small
configuration file and in the user saved graph files (.gra).
PRINT DATA
All
data sets are output to the printer. If
the user has selected a curve fit, then
the Y fit values,
coefficients, and equation are
also output. If available the main top
graph titles are printed as a header.
PRINT GRAPH
A
high resolution redraw of the graph display is output to the printer in
portrait or landscape mode. If the
printer is capable, the graph will print in color.
PRINTER COLOR
DIALOG
Printer
output colors for each data set are selected automatically. These values can be overridden by right
mouse clicking on any data set and selecting
PRINTER COLOR from the local pop up menu. These color selections affect only the
printer output and NOT the screen display.
In the dialog the NEXT button moves to and designates the next series number as the active
data set.
PRINT TEXT
The
local text editor contents are output to the printer.
GRID PRINTING
The
preferences dialog allows fine
tuning of minor grid printing.
PRINTER FONT
SIZE
The
preferences dialog also allows
selection of a LARGE font size for Main, X Axis and Y Axis Titles.
FIT
This
menu item opens the regression fit dialog.
Choose a regression equation for the active data set using the
radio buttons. Once an equation is
selected, the third column in the mini-spread sheet displays the Y fit
values. Additionally, data entry into
the mini-spread sheet is modified as follows.
Any additional X values that the user inputs produce a Y estimate. Any additional Y values that the user
enters reset the fit equation to none and clear the Y fit column values,
returning data entry to the normal mode.
EQUATION, COEFFICIENTS AND DETERMINATION
The
selected regression equation along with the value of its coefficients as well
as its coefficient of determination are displayed in the regression fit
dialog. Left click on the COPY COEFFICIENTS button to copy the coefficients
to the Windows clipboard
NEXT
Use
the NEXT
button to move to and designate the next series number as the active
data set.
REGRESSION |
CLEAR FIT
This
main menu item sets the active data set regression equation to none and
clears the Y fit column values.
REGRESSION |
FIT ERROR %
This
main menu item displays the percent error between each Y point and the
corresponding Y fit value in the Y fit column of the active data set.
Scale Dialog
MULTI-SCALE
MODE
This
is the default mode. Each data set is
automatically scaled to its own max min values. Scale values are different for each data set, thus the scale values are not shown on the
graph. You can force return to this
mode with the MULTI-SCALE radio buttons.
USER SET SCALE
MODE
User
can enter max and min scale values for each axis. Opening the scale dialog activates this mode.
LOG SET SCALE
MODE
The
designated log scale axis are setup and numbered automatically. The user can modify them in multiples of 10
using the scale dialog. This mode is
activated when a log scale is selected.
FIND
Finds
the max and min for all data sets for the selected axis.
AUTO
Generates
automatic scales and grid settings for the selected axis. The scale values can be revised manually in
the scale dialog. The grid settings can
be revised in the grid dialog.
The GRAPH | AUTO SCALE menu item is the equivalent of clicking both
the X and the Y left axis AUTO scale buttons.
Auto scaling the Y right axis can only be done with the Y right AUTO scale
button. When using both Y left and Y
right auto scaling, the major and minor grids are set by the last AUTO scale
button clicked. Note these AUTO scale
commands modify the max and min scale setting in an attempt to achieve
reasonable grid settings while retaining a maximum view of the data
points. If you prefer you can set your
own max and min values for each axis and then use the AUTO grid buttons in the grid dialog.
OK
This
button redisplays the graph with the new scale values and closes the scale
dialog.
VIEW
This
button redisplays the graph with the new scale values. It leaves the dialog box
open for additional changes.
This
button is a short cut to the grid dialog.
FIND ALL
Finds
the max and min data values for all data sets and all axis. This button also clears all grids and grid
settings. This is a good starting point
for a new graph. After clicking FIND
ALL revise scale values manually to nice round numbers and then click the short
cut to the grid dialog. Use the AUTO
grid buttons to set grids for the new graph.
LOST DATA
Find
lost data by using the FIND ALL button or by forcing return to MULTI-SCALE MODE.
The advantage of the MULTI-SCALE MODE is that it does not change graph settings.
ESTIMATE VALUE
OF Y GIVEN X
To
estimate a value of Y for a given value of X,
first choose a regression
equation. Then, return to the
data set. Enter an X value in any empty
X cell. The corresponding Y cell will
display an estimate of Y for the entered X value (based on the regression
equation). This can be done for as many
points as desired. If a Y value is
entered, the regression equation is set to none, the Y fit values are cleared,
and new X, Y data pairs can be added to the data set.
ESTIMATE VALUE
OF X GIVEN Y
This
can NOT be done directly, however in
most cases the following will work. Use
MATH | X & Y OPERATIONS | SWITCH X
& Y columns and then follow
the instructions above.
Mouse Graph
Shortcuts
Right
clicking the mouse anywhere on the graph will activate the graph pop up
menu. The items on the menu are listed
below starting with auto scale
Left
clicking selective areas of the graph initiates various actions. Left clicking on the Main, Yaxis, Xaxis or
Series Titles opens the corresponding title edit dialog. Left clicking on the Xaxis or Yaxis scale
values opens the scale dialog. Left
clicking on a floating legend allows the legend to be relocated. (See below)
Mouse
relocation of Floating Legends
Left
clicking on a floating legend designates it for relocation. The first left click will change the legends
color from yellow to red on most computers.
This is to indicate that the selected legend is ready to be moved. Left click a second time and the red legend
will be relocated to the new point. The
new starting location must be inside the plot area.
VIEW
Displays
a graph of all data sets.
AUTO SCALE
Generates
an automatic set of scales and grids for the X and Y left axis. The scale values can be revised using the scale
dialog and the grid settings can be revised using the grid dialog. If you prefer you can use the scale dialog
to set your own max and min values for each axis and then use the AUTO grid
commands in the grid dialog to
compute the grid settings.
SCALE
Opens the scale dialog.
This dialog allows the user to enter manually, or to use AUTO scale to compute, the max and min scale values.
GRID
Opens the grid dialog. This dialog allows the user to enter
manually, or to use AUTO grid
to compute, the grid settings
LOG SCALE
Opens the log scale dialog. This allows the user to select a log scale for the X and/or Y axis for the designated active
data set.
GRAPH TYPE
Opens the graph type dialog. This allows the user to select a graph type for the
designated active data set.
LEGEND
Allows the user to enter text for main,
X, Y , series and floating
titles.