Eyecatcher Technical Support...

FAQs:

Q: What's new in version 1.1.2?
A: This latest version fixes the trailing zero input/display bug mentioned below [10th October 2000].
Q: What's new in version 1.1.1?
A: This version fixes the leading zero input/display bug mentioned below [10th October 2000].
Q: What's new in version 1.1.0?
A: There are several new features and a couple of bug fixes:

Graphite iMac DV Special Edition and Graphite iBook flavours added.

The comma now works as a decimal separator on the keyboard.

Email and web site addresses now draggable, and clippings included.

Added option to register online.

Improved iBook, G3 and G4 flavours.

Better match for graphite colour.

Keyboard shortcuts for flavours changed.

0.00 display bug fixed.

Auto display text resize for font not being Charcoal.

Drag now works!

Help box text now jumps to top of box.

Q: Where can I download iMalc?
A: You can download iMalc here.
Q: How do I register iMalc?
A: You can register online using a credit card, or by using the Register iMalc application that comes with iMalc, by post, fax or email using cash, US check or credit card where applicable. Full details are in the enclosed Read Me and iMalc Manual files, included with the full iMalc package. or you can check out the online version of How To Register.
Q: I've lost/deleted the documentation. How can I get new copies?
A: For the iMalc Read Me file you can view it or download it here. For the How To Register file you can view it or download it here. You can also view or download the pdf iMalc Manual.
Q: When I enter calculations, why does iMalc seem to give the wrong answers?
A: There are several ways of entering data in to a calculator. The most common are sequential, algebraic and Reverse Polish Notation. iMalc uses sequential entry rather than algebraic. This affects the sequence in which calculations should be done.
eg: Consider square root of 9 plus the square root of 9. iMalc gives:

9 [square root] + 9 [square root] = 3.46410161514 (square root of 12)

ie sequential:

9 [square root] = 3
+ 9 = 12
[square root] = 3.46410161514

rather than

algebraic:

9 [square root] = 3
+ 9 [square root] = 3
total = 6

In order to achieve the second result, use the memory. eg 9 [square root], M+, + MR, = and the answer will be 6.
Sequential entry is an aid when adding lists of numbers for example. However some people have complained about this use of logic and we will be looking at this entry logic for future versions. See also the bug report below [12th October 2000] regarding pressing C (Clear) when entering new numbers following a calculation.
Q: Why is the download size of iMalc so large?
A: The size is partly due to the file size as created by the REALbasic compiler but mostly due to the large number of graphics required for the fifteen flavours. The next release of iMalc should move to a skins based format which should reduce the download size if you don't require all the flavours. Some internal rearrangement will also be undertaken to reduce the number of graphics required.
Q: What are skins?
A: Skins are small associate files with information for the look of an application. On the Mac they are usually resource files. This allows the look and feel of an application to be easily customisable.
Q: When is the graphite flavour for the iMac DV SE available?
A: This flavour was incorprated from version 1.1.0.
Q: When is the graphite flavour for the iBook available?
A: This flavour was incorprated from version 1.1.0.
Q: When will the new flavours for iMacs in Sage, Ruby, Indigo and Snow be available?
A: In the next release of iMalc, which is currently under development and will change the flavour selection to a skins based arrangement.
If you have any questions please contact FAQs at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to submit questions.

Feature requests:

The following features have been requested for future versions:
Addition of buttons to automate entry of common exponentials eg 10⁶, 10⁹ etc.
Addition of base conversions, specifically binary and hex.
If you have any questions or comments please contact feature requests at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to add your voice for the above features or to request a new feature.

Bug reports:

12th October 2000: Erroneous subsequent calculations in iMalc version 1.1.0.
Some people have reported that iMalc gives erroneous answers when entering a numerical input for a subsequent calculation.
eg:
45 tan = 1
atan = 45
30 cos = 0.2588190451// Wrong answer :-(
In all cases this has been due to failure to press C [Clear] before attempting a new calculation. Between calculations, the calculator should be cleared using the C key. iMalc is not capable of realising that there is a new calculation being done following the pressing of a function key.
eg:
45 tan = 1
atan = 45
C
30 cos = 0.86602540378 // Correct answer! :-)
This seems to be a problem for some people, and we will look at this for future versions. iMalc works fine if you are continuing a calculation using a function or operator, but not if you're expecting to do a new calculation. For that you have to press C first.
Clear (C) resets the calculator. CE just deletes the last entry.

10th October 2000: Zero bug in iMalc version 1.1.0.
This is connected with the bug reported below [14th December 1999] that we thought had been fixed. If you enter a number less than 0.1, you will find the display does not update every time you press a zero after "0." has been entered.
However, this only affects the display and not the number entered or the calculation in progress. Once a digit other than 0 has been entered, the display works fine.
This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.2. There is an updater available (244k) to update version 1.1.x to 1.1.2.

4th September 2000: Trig inaccuracies in iMalc all versions
iMalc returns 6.123234e-17 for the cos of 90
The correct result is exactly zero.
iMalc returns 1.6331239e+16 for the tan of 90
The correct result is INFinity.
(The calculator is ignoring cardinal values of the trig functions.)
This is not really a bug. The standard calls to the Mac maths toolbox return these values and similar results appear in other calculators. As can be seen these numbers are extremely small/large, and approximate the correct answer. These inaccuracies only apply to cardinal values eg cos 90 and tan 90. All other values are correctly returned.
It should, however, be possible to screen these results out and return the correct answer. This will be looked at for the next version.

13th May 2000: Reports of inaccuracies in iMalc version 1.0.0.
There have been a couple of reports of iMalc producing inaccurate results using some of the functions, particularly trig and log.
We have been unable to replicate these at present. However the problem would appear to be the way in which iMalc displays the results.
The display uses text rather than graphics to make up the display. As mentioned in the Read Me file, iMalc displays best using the Charcoal font. This is the OS8+ default font (Chicago being the default for earlier Mac OS systems). iMalc is set to use the the user's Large System Font choice as set by the Appearance control panel, and display it at 12 point.
We have noticed that if a font other than Charcoal is used, there can be display problems. Usually Chicago is okay, as is any narrower font. However some of the system fonts are wider than Charcoal, and this can lead to cut off of the left hand digits. If you can see less than 12 digits (ignoring any decimal point) in what appears to be an erroneous result, then this cut off is probably occurring. It should be stressed that this problem affects the display only, and not the calculation result.
The work around is to change the system font to Charcoal or another narrower font via the Fonts tab in the Appearance control panel.
This method of display was chosen to match the iMalc display with the user's preferred system font choice rather than forcing iMalc to use a particular font which may not be installed.
This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.0. iMalc now checks to see if the display will fit in and reduces the display font size until it does. As promised, the update is free to all registered users.

14th December 1999: A small bug has been found in iMalc version 1.0.0.
If you enter a number less than 0.1, you will find the display shows "Not Numerical" every time you press a zero after "0." has been entered.
However, this only affects the display and not the number entered or the calculation in progress. Once a digit other than 0 has been entered, the display works fine. So the work around is to simply continue entering the number and complete the calculation as normal.
This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.1, see above [10th October 2000]. As promised, the update is free to all registered users.
The "Not Numerical" feature was included to flag non-numerical input (eg rs2.3) that may be dragged to the iMalc display by the user, but allow them to redrag a correct number without upsetting the calculation process.

If you have any questions or comments please contact technical support at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to submit bug reports, comments or feature requests.

eyecatcherprods@mac.com

Mac, the Mac logo, Macintosh, MacOS, Apple, iMac, iBook, G3, G4 and PowerBook are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
REALbasic is a trademark of Real Software Inc.


	FAQs:
	Q: What's new in version 1.1.2? A: This latest version fixes the trailing zero input/display bug mentioned below [10th October 2000]. Q: What's new in version 1.1.1? A: This version fixes the leading zero input/display bug mentioned below [10th October 2000]. Q: What's new in version 1.1.0? A: There are several new features and a couple of bug fixes: Graphite iMac DV Special Edition and Graphite iBook flavours added. The comma now works as a decimal separator on the keyboard. Email and web site addresses now draggable, and clippings included. Added option to register online. Improved iBook, G3 and G4 flavours. Better match for graphite colour. Keyboard shortcuts for flavours changed. 0.00 display bug fixed. Auto display text resize for font not being Charcoal. Drag now works! Help box text now jumps to top of box. Q: Where can I download iMalc? A: You can download iMalc here. Q: How do I register iMalc? A: You can register online using a credit card, or by using the Register iMalc application that comes with iMalc, by post, fax or email using cash, US check or credit card where applicable. Full details are in the enclosed Read Me and iMalc Manual files, included with the full iMalc package. or you can check out the online version of How To Register. Q: I've lost/deleted the documentation. How can I get new copies? A: For the iMalc Read Me file you can view it or download it here. For the How To Register file you can view it or download it here. You can also view or download the pdf iMalc Manual. Q: When I enter calculations, why does iMalc seem to give the wrong answers? A: There are several ways of entering data in to a calculator. The most common are sequential, algebraic and Reverse Polish Notation. iMalc uses sequential entry rather than algebraic. This affects the sequence in which calculations should be done. eg: Consider square root of 9 plus the square root of 9. iMalc gives: 9 [square root] + 9 [square root] = 3.46410161514 (square root of 12) ie sequential: 9 [square root] = 3 + 9 = 12 [square root] = 3.46410161514 rather than algebraic: 9 [square root] = 3 + 9 [square root] = 3 total = 6 In order to achieve the second result, use the memory. eg 9 [square root], M+, + MR, = and the answer will be 6. Sequential entry is an aid when adding lists of numbers for example. However some people have complained about this use of logic and we will be looking at this entry logic for future versions. See also the bug report below [12th October 2000] regarding pressing C (Clear) when entering new numbers following a calculation. Q: Why is the download size of iMalc so large? A: The size is partly due to the file size as created by the REALbasic compiler but mostly due to the large number of graphics required for the fifteen flavours. The next release of iMalc should move to a skins based format which should reduce the download size if you don't require all the flavours. Some internal rearrangement will also be undertaken to reduce the number of graphics required. Q: What are skins? A: Skins are small associate files with information for the look of an application. On the Mac they are usually resource files. This allows the look and feel of an application to be easily customisable. Q: When is the graphite flavour for the iMac DV SE available? A: This flavour was incorprated from version 1.1.0. Q: When is the graphite flavour for the iBook available? A: This flavour was incorprated from version 1.1.0. Q: When will the new flavours for iMacs in Sage, Ruby, Indigo and Snow be available? A: In the next release of iMalc, which is currently under development and will change the flavour selection to a skins based arrangement. If you have any questions please contact FAQs at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to submit questions.



	Feature requests:
	The following features have been requested for future versions: Addition of buttons to automate entry of common exponentials eg 10⁶, 10⁹ etc. Addition of base conversions, specifically binary and hex. If you have any questions or comments please contact feature requests at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to add your voice for the above features or to request a new feature.



	Bug reports:
	12th October 2000: Erroneous subsequent calculations in iMalc version 1.1.0. Some people have reported that iMalc gives erroneous answers when entering a numerical input for a subsequent calculation. eg: 45 tan = 1 atan = 45 30 cos = 0.2588190451// Wrong answer :-( In all cases this has been due to failure to press C [Clear] before attempting a new calculation. Between calculations, the calculator should be cleared using the C key. iMalc is not capable of realising that there is a new calculation being done following the pressing of a function key. eg: 45 tan = 1 atan = 45 C 30 cos = 0.86602540378 // Correct answer! :-) This seems to be a problem for some people, and we will look at this for future versions. iMalc works fine if you are continuing a calculation using a function or operator, but not if you're expecting to do a new calculation. For that you have to press C first. Clear (C) resets the calculator. CE just deletes the last entry.



	10th October 2000: Zero bug in iMalc version 1.1.0. This is connected with the bug reported below [14th December 1999] that we thought had been fixed. If you enter a number less than 0.1, you will find the display does not update every time you press a zero after "0." has been entered. However, this only affects the display and not the number entered or the calculation in progress. Once a digit other than 0 has been entered, the display works fine. This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.2. There is an updater available (244k) to update version 1.1.x to 1.1.2.



	4th September 2000: Trig inaccuracies in iMalc all versions iMalc returns 6.123234e-17 for the cos of 90 The correct result is exactly zero. iMalc returns 1.6331239e+16 for the tan of 90 The correct result is INFinity. (The calculator is ignoring cardinal values of the trig functions.) This is not really a bug. The standard calls to the Mac maths toolbox return these values and similar results appear in other calculators. As can be seen these numbers are extremely small/large, and approximate the correct answer. These inaccuracies only apply to cardinal values eg cos 90 and tan 90. All other values are correctly returned. It should, however, be possible to screen these results out and return the correct answer. This will be looked at for the next version.



	13th May 2000: Reports of inaccuracies in iMalc version 1.0.0. There have been a couple of reports of iMalc producing inaccurate results using some of the functions, particularly trig and log. We have been unable to replicate these at present. However the problem would appear to be the way in which iMalc displays the results. The display uses text rather than graphics to make up the display. As mentioned in the Read Me file, iMalc displays best using the Charcoal font. This is the OS8+ default font (Chicago being the default for earlier Mac OS systems). iMalc is set to use the the user's Large System Font choice as set by the Appearance control panel, and display it at 12 point. We have noticed that if a font other than Charcoal is used, there can be display problems. Usually Chicago is okay, as is any narrower font. However some of the system fonts are wider than Charcoal, and this can lead to cut off of the left hand digits. If you can see less than 12 digits (ignoring any decimal point) in what appears to be an erroneous result, then this cut off is probably occurring. It should be stressed that this problem affects the display only, and not the calculation result. The work around is to change the system font to Charcoal or another narrower font via the Fonts tab in the Appearance control panel. This method of display was chosen to match the iMalc display with the user's preferred system font choice rather than forcing iMalc to use a particular font which may not be installed. This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.0. iMalc now checks to see if the display will fit in and reduces the display font size until it does. As promised, the update is free to all registered users.



	14th December 1999: A small bug has been found in iMalc version 1.0.0. If you enter a number less than 0.1, you will find the display shows "Not Numerical" every time you press a zero after "0." has been entered. However, this only affects the display and not the number entered or the calculation in progress. Once a digit other than 0 has been entered, the display works fine. So the work around is to simply continue entering the number and complete the calculation as normal. This bug has been fixed in version 1.1.1, see above [10th October 2000]. As promised, the update is free to all registered users. The "Not Numerical" feature was included to flag non-numerical input (eg rs2.3) that may be dragged to the iMalc display by the user, but allow them to redrag a correct number without upsetting the calculation process.



	If you have any questions or comments please contact technical support at: eyecatcherprods@mac.com or use the feedback form to submit bug reports, comments or feature requests.


	Eyecatcher Technical Support...