QBALL SMALL ARMS EXTERIOR BALLISTICS

October 15, 1993 -- An enhanced and updated version of QBALL, a menu-driven
application for rapidly computing of ballistics data for small arms using
MS-DOS/PC-DOS computers is scheduled for release on December 1, 1993.
While retaining the features of its predecessors, QBALL version 2.30
allows user-designated filenames for range tables and trajectory data
saved to disk, and  calculates muzzle velocity from measured bullet drop.

QBALL produces tables showing remaining bullet velocity and energy,
projectile height above or below the line of sight, wind deflections for
standard or user-defined crosswinds, and times of flight. Tables may be
displayed, saved to disk, and printed out as hardcopy. Other routines
allow calculation of ballistic coefficients, point-blank range,
corrections for slant (up or downhill) fire, sectional density, and gun
free recoil.

A 502-entry bullet lookup facility allows entry of the appropriate
manufacturer, bullet weight, and ballistic coefficient for use in
ballistics computations. Bullet Lookup is available only on
graphics-equipped (CGA/EGA/VGA) computers.

Up to 15 sets of trajectory data may be graphically displayed on a CGA or
EGA (recommended) monitor. Graphics trajectory data may be saved to disk,
and recalled for later use at any time.

Included utilties translate QBALL's graphics from EGA to CGA, or CGA to EGA
standard, as applicable, and read range tables which have been saved to
disk. Both utilities may be accessed from within QBALL, or used as
stand-alone executables.

QBALL automatically determines whether a graphics card/monitor is
installed. QBALL will compute, display, save, and print range tables and
other purely tabular data in the absense of graphics equipment.

QBALL's display, and several of its functions may be changed using the
built-in configuration routines. Screen colors may be set as desired by
the user. The user may fine-tune QBALL to use data specific to a
particular weapon/cartridge, e.g., its name, and the height of the
weapon's sights above the bore. QBALL can calculate and display data using
metric values for range. Meteorological (weather) conditions may be
specified to allow for variations from standard. Printer prompts may be
suppressed, should no printer be present; "alert" sounds may be toggled on
or off. QBALL's starting values may be modified and saved for later use.

Limited on-line, context-sensitive help is available on graphics- equipped
computers. Error trapping prevents data input which is outside QBALL's
ability to use effectively. Upon incorrect/out-of-range data entry, an
appropriate error message is displayed, which in itself constitutes
additional on-line (and context-sensitive) help.

The revised on-disk user's manual includes a "tutorial,"  several schematic
illustrations of screen displays, many examples, a glossary, a
bibliography, sections on data comparison and analysis, and an index. As
distributed, the manual is set up to print all the odd-numbered pages on
one side of a "deck" of fanfold paper; the even-numbered pages are printed
on the reverse side. (This feature saves paper: there are 92 pages in the
manual, requiring but 46 sheets for their printing.) An included utility,
ONEDOC.COM, combines the two user's manual files for those preferring a
consolidated document file.

QBALL was written with the "least common denominator" in mind. It is fully
functional on 8088 or similarly-equipped computers, and does not require a
hard disk to run, although a hard disk is recommended. QBALL has been
tested and found to function on several different machines, including an
EGA-equipped AT clone running MS-DOS 4.01, 5, and 6, and an LCD/CGA-
equipped laptop with a V20 CPU, running MS-DOS 3.3. QBALL will also run in
the Windows 3.x "DOS box," but will not function in OS/2 protected mode.

QBALL is distributed as shareware, or try-before-you-buy software. An
evaluation copy, which includes a sixty-day limited use license, may be
obtained from the author, Benjamin W. Hartley, Forest Park Estates #103,
Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA, for a postage/handling fee of $7.50 (worldwide).
The registered edition, including an unlimited use license, a printed
manual, entitlement to one free major upgrade, direct-from-the-author
support, and a Bullet Lookup Maintenance utility may be obtained for
$25.00 postage paid within North America (United States, Cananda, Mexico).
The postage and handling fee for the registered edition sent to other
places is $7.50. Through June 1, 1994, registered users will also receive
a certificate good for a JCS Marketing "JCSM Shareware Collection" CD-ROM
at reduced price. Either QBALL edition, Registered or Shareware, is
available on 5.25-inch 360k or 3.5-inch 720k disks.

Software libraries and others wishing to distribute QBALL for profit should
contact the author for permission; that permission is automatically
extended to those vendors and bulletin board systems recognized as
Associate Members of The Association of Shareware Professionals. Site- 
licensing for commercial users is arranged on a case-by-case basis.

An information brochure is available upon request; send a long stamped
envelope to the author. Inquiries may be e-mailed to the author at
CompuServe 70033,2612; at GEnie, B.HARTLEY1; or at America On-Line (AOL),
BHartley.

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