Notes on MKRLE002 and DERLE002.

These two programs MaKe and DEcode run length encoded (RLE) files. Both are 
based on a screen display of a picture or drawing. Most computers can make 
and display RLE graphics so Visual users can now exchange graphic files 
with other brands of machines. For printing a graphic, use the program 
GDUMP.  All three of these programs are especially written for the Visual 
1050 __only__.

To display an RLE format file, enter...derle002 filen.ame...where the 
filen.ame may include the drive path (e.g. derle002 b:max.rle). If the file 
isn't there, you will be prompted for the name again. The graphic will be 
displayed and you'll be returned to the system prompt (A:>). RLE graphics of 
the 'high' resolution type only are allowed (virtually all of them are 
anymore). The specification for the RLE format says the graphic is to be 256 
dots wide and 192 dots high (vertical) and this is how it's displayed by 
this program in the upper left of the screen. Screen proportions vary from 
one machine to another; so what was drawn on one may have a different height 
to width ratio when displayed on the Visual. The program does a literal dot- 
for-dot translation and no scaling was attempted. On completion the cursor 
is left positioned high enough above the bottom of the screen to allow you 
to run another program without the graphic scrolling off the top.  To abort 
in the middle of a display press CONTROL BREAK keys.

MKRLE002 does the opposite of DERLE002. Whatever is in the 256x192 dot area 
in the upper left is converted into an RLE format file. You can make a 
drawing with one of the drawing programs for the Visual, then convert to an 
RLE file and send it to someone with a different machine and they'll be able 
to see it using their own RLE decoder. To run the program just type in 
...mkrle002... and watch the prompt at the bottom. The graphic is scanned in 
three parts to prevent integer counters from exceeding the 32K limit in 
complex pictures. After the first part is scanned, you are prompted for a 
name of the RLE file you are creating; then the last two parts are scanned.

COPYWRITE (c) 1988 by Alex Fetesoff. These programs are shareware and as such 
may be distributed freely but not for profit. With such distribution must be 
included the above documentation and this paragraph. I disclaim any warranties, 
expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability, performance, 
and suitability for any purpose with respect to this software and documentation.

But I hope you like them anyway!

If you have questions or comments, send email on GENIE to alex.f or on 
CompuServe to 72277,1607.