Collectors Pack (instr front) Sinclair ZX Spectrum General Description This program enables you to hold at least 600 records. It lets you: - keep the details up to date - examine the details held - keep the records sorted into order - print details Information held The information held depends on you! You tell the computer - how many sets of information (fields) you want, up to a maximum of 9 - the size of each field subject to a maximum of 30 characters and a size for the entire record of 50 characters - the field to be used by the computer for sorting your records into order Example: A collector of British stamps may decide to keep details of each stamp as follows: - Catalogue number 5 characters - Face value 4 characters - Colour code 3 characters - Description 8 characters - Catalogue Value 4 characters He tells the computer to organise his file with records each 24 characters long. There are five fields identified by the names given here, such as catalogue number. He tells the computer to keep his file in catalogue number order. The computer will set up the file and say how many records can be held - in this case 1250. NB: The number of records depends on the size of each one. As an approximate guide: Record length Records 20 1500 25 1200 30 1000 40 750 50 600 Using the program NB: Once you have loaded this program, it will tell you at each stage what to do or the choices open to you. You are advised to read through this description before you first load this program - so you have the entire picture in your mind. Use of the program falls into two categories: A - first time only: you tell the computer how you want your file organised. B - thereafter: you enter your records and use any of the modes of operation. First time The first time you load this program, the computer will ask you to give it the details it needs for organising your file: - name the fields (up to 9) into which each record is split - give the size of each field (maximum 30 characters per field, 50 per record) - name the field for sorting (indexing your records) An illustration of what to enter is given above in the section 'information held'. When you have completed the preliminary work, you will be asked to enter details of your first record (see below). To complete this first run of the program, we suggest you enter various records and then SAVE your file. From now on... From now on you can use this program in the following modes. Note: to select the mode, press the number only (ie not ENTER). 1. Create a new record You will be asked first to identify the record. (For instance, our stamp collector in the earlier example will be asked for the catalogue number of the stamp he's detailing). The computer will check whether a record with this identity exists. If it does, you cannot create it! (You can, however, amend it - mode 2). So, identities must be unique. Note: records are sorted according to their alphabetic identity. If you want a numeric sequence, you will need to right-align this field - start your input with the necesary spaces. For example, for a 5 figure numeric field, and an identity of 17, type 3 spaces, then 17. Assuming you can enter the new record, you will be asked for each field in turn. If you type in details that are longer than the length you specified for that field, you will be asked to retype that field. 2. Alter a record Say which record you want to change. The computer will find it for you and display it with each field identified. Say which field is to be amended, and type in that field. NB: You may NOT alter the identification field. (instr back) 3. Delete a record This enables you to get rid of all the information held by the computer for the record you identify. The option is provided for the computer to search through the entire file and present for deletion every record satisfying a condition specified by you. For example: every stamp record where the description field does NOT hold the information "K.Edward". As a safety precaution, the details of each record will be displayed, giving you the option of changing your mind. 4. List records This enables you to display on your television screen the records in your file. You have the choice of listing all your records - or of starting at a particular one. A subset of the file can be listed, with records selected conditionally, as in Delete mode. To list one particular record, use "Alter a record". 5. Print records This mode enables you to print records. (Obviously, you need a printer and paper!) You can ask for every record to be printed or just those within a specified range or satisfying a condition you specify. When a screen has been completed in modes 1, 2 or 4 the opportunity is given to COPY the screen to the printer by pressing P (for print). 6. Save file Save your file by recording it onto cassette tape. You should do this before switching off your computer whenever you have made any alterations to your records. (Otherwise, you will not have a copy of your most recent amendments). Note: Each recording is given a different version number. Whenever you take a copy of your file, you should write the version number away in a safe place (eg in your diary). When you next use this program, check you have loaded the correct (ie most up-to-date) version. We suggest you record odd-numbered versions (1,3,5, etc.) on one side of your tape, and use the other side for even-numbered versions (0,2,4,6, etc.). The program is supplied to you as version 0. The tape is long enough to hold all your records. Note: If you wish to take advantage of Spectrum's VERIFY facility, then: - use mode 7 to stop - type LET w=w+1 and ENTER - save the program yourself with SAVE "C" LINE 1000 - VERIFY "" - restart the program if you wish by GOTO 1000 7. Stop Exit from the program. Recommendation Have a trial run! Decide how you want your records set up. Then load the program, define the fields, and enter, say, 10 records. Check that the file is holding the fields you want. If not, modify the design of your records accordingly. For example, suppose our stamp collector wants to keep details of the same stamp in both mint and used condition. The program will only let him have one record with the relevant catalogue number. One solution would be to hold both pieces of information (number and condition) in the one identification field - ie catalogue number 6 characters; sample entry: 246M or 246U. Operating instructions The program name is C. Load it with the instruction LOAD "C" or LOAD " ", start your cassette recorder and press ENTER. The program will load in 3 stages and then start automatically. If you stop the program (mode 7), and want to start again without re-loading, give the instruction: GOTO 1000 Under no circumstances use the commands RUN and CLEAR!