
Users Guide

Tack

Rev. 3.83




Copyright 1998-1989.  White Perch Software, Belmont, MA  02178


1.	Introduction
This manual describes the operation of the Tack data analysis program.  The current revision of 
this program is 3.83.  This software and manual are copyright 1998 through 1989 by White Perch 
Software, Belmont, MA  02178.

1.1	Compatibility
Tack runs on IBM PC compatible computer systems.  It operates entirely in graphics mode.  As 
such, it requires a compatible graphics display adapter.  Tack supports all major display adapters 
(Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA) and has drivers for several other graphics display adapters 
including Super VGA. Tack works with a Microsoft compatible mouse.

Tack is a data analysis program.  It can read data files written in the Patchit, Ninja, pClamp 
(version 5.1) or Axon Binary Format (ABF) file formats.

1.2	Starting Up
Tack runs entirely in graphics (not text) mode.  In order for it to run, a graphics driver for the 
graphics adapter that is installed in the computer must be available in the directory in which the 
Tack executable file is.  These drivers have the file extension ".BGI".  The drivers required for 
the following screen types are as follows:
	Display Adapter					Display Driver
	Hercules (Hercules Graphics Adapter)		HERC.BGI
	CGA (Color Graphics Adapter)			CGA.BGI
	EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter)			EGAVGA.BGI
	VGA (Video Graphics Adapter)			EGAVGA.BGI
	Super VGA						SVGA16M.BGI
		(Supports common SVGA cards and the VESA standard SVGA interface)
	IBM 8514 Graphics Adapter				IBM8514.BGI
	AT&T 400-Line Graphics Adapter			ATT400.BGI
	3270 PC Graphics Adapter				PC3270.BGI

By default, Tack will automatically try to detect the proper graphics driver for the computer.  If 
the proper driver is not found by Tack (in the same directory as Tack) when it is started it will 
end with an error message.  Otherwise the program will start and Tack's main screen will appear.

1.3	The Screen
Tack's main screen is divided into three areas.  The menu bar is on the top of the screen, it allows 
the user to access all of the Tack's commands.  The right-most portion of the menu bar shows the 
amount of free conventional (real mode) memory available for Tack's use.  The lower part of the 
screen shows the status line.  This line displays information about the current status of the 
program (which data file, channel and record is currently selected).  The data display area fills 
the screen between the menu bar and the status line.

1.4	General
Tack is a data analysis program.  It can load multiple data files.  Each file will be loaded into its 
own "buffer".  New buffers can be created by the copy buffer operation or by the result of 
adding, subtracting or averaging existing buffers.  A buffer, like a file, can contain multiple 
channels of data and multiple records (a record is equivalent to a Clampex "episode").  Most of 
Tack's functions work on individual buffers, and these commonly default to the current buffer.  
The current buffer is indicated on the status line at the bottom of the screen.  Buffers are named 
with the letters of the alphabet and the current buffer can be changed (when no menus are active) 
by typing the letter of that buffer.  The current buffer can be changed to the next/previous buffer 
by typing the up/down arrow key.  Similarly, the current channel (in the current buffer) can be 
changed (when no menus are active) by typing the number of the channel.  Note that channels are 
numbered from 0 (i.e. 0 is the first channel, 1 is the second).  The current channel can be changed 
to the next/previous channel by typing the right/left arrow key.  If the buffer only has one 
channel of data then you won't be able to switch channels, obviously.  The current record works 
slightly differently.  When you select it (e.g., by Display:Record) it is both selected and 
displayed.  The next/previous record can be selected (and displayed) by typing the plus/minus 
key.

1.5	Help
On-line help is available throughout Tack.  Just type the F1 key and a relevant help message will 
pop up.  The help file "TACK.HLP" must be in the same directory as Tack and the graphics 
driver files.

1.6	Accessing the Menus
The menu bar has a series of pull down menus.  A menu (e.g. "File") can be accessed in a 
number of ways.  1) A menu can be pulled down by clicking on the desired menu entry with the 
mouse.  2)  A menu can be pulled down by holding down the ALT key while the selection letter 
of the desired menu is typed (the selection letter is usually the first letter of the word and is 
shown underlined and in a different color from the rest of that word (unless the current graphics 
display only supports two colors, or the color configuration has been messed with)).  For 
example, to pull down the File menu, type ALT-F.  3)  A menu can be pulled down by first 
activating the menu bar with the F10 or "/" key.  The file menu will drop down, but not be 
selected.  The selection letter of any of the main menu items can then be typed in order to access 
that particular menu.

Certain functions on the individual menus can be accessed directly, without pulling down the 
menus, by typing a hot-key (the hot-keys are shown to the left of a menu entry, on its menu).  For 
instance, the F8 key will cause Tack to load a data file if pressed when the menu bar is not 
activated.


2.	The Menus

2.1	File Menu
2.1.1	Load File
Selecting this option allows the user to load a new data file into Tack.  If there are files in the 
current directory that match the selected file specification (default is "*.DAT"), a selection box 
will appear listing the available files.  A data file may be cursor selected from this box (with the 
mouse or keyboard) or else the name of a file may be typed in.  To change drive, directory, or file 
specification, just type that in too, or click the left mouse button in the upper window and type 
the pathname of the desired directory.  The list of data files will be updated for this new 
directory.

2.1.2	Save File
Selecting this option allows the user to save the contents of the currently selected buffer to a new 
data file.  You will be prompted to specify the name of the data file (do not type the ".DAT" 
extension).  If a file of this name already exists, Tack will warn you and give you the option of 
overwriting that file or else of choosing a new filename.  You will then be asked if you wish to 
keep the original file's time stamp.  If you specify that you want to do that thing, then the file 
creation date and time will be set to that of the original file.  If you specify not (don't keep 
original file time stamp), then the creation date and time will be set to the current date and time.  
This option is very useful if you like to sort your files by date.

NOTE:  Tack saves all data files (except Ninja data files) in it's own file format (the Patchit file 
format).

2.1.3	Export
Selecting this option allows the user to export data from Tack in a variety of numerical formats.  
The export menu has eleven options:
2.1.3.1	Buffer
Selecting this item allows the user to specify the buffer whose data will be exported.  The buffer 
selection box lists the letter corresponding to the buffer and the name of the file that was 
originally loaded into the buffer (unless the buffer contains the result of a combination (addition, 
subtraction, etc.) of data from two or more buffers, in which case the name is "untitled").
2.1.3.2	Channel
Selecting this item allows the user to select the channel of data in the specified buffer that will be 
exported.  Only one channel of data may be exported in a single operation.  If you need to export 
data on multiple channels, you will need to perform the export operation separate times, creating 
multiple files.
2.1.3.3	Records
Selecting this item allows the user to select which records of data in the selected buffer, on the 
selected channel are to be exported.
2.1.3.4	Timing
Selecting this item allows the user to select the timing of the data to be exported.  The user has 
the option of cursor selecting the timing from the data traces or else of entering the times 
numerically.
2.1.3.5	Format
Selecting this item allows the user to specify the export format for the data.  Two formats are 
available, ASCII and Asystant+.  The ASCII format is a text file containing the data as numbers 
separated by a user-specified character (the comma "," character is typically used).  The 
Asystant+ format writes a binary data file that can be read by the Asystant+ data analysis 
program.
2.1.3.6	X Values
Selecting this item allows the user to select what values will be written in the data file for the X 
axis (the right-most column of data).  This option is not available for the Asystant+ export 
format.  Four X axis options are available:
2.1.3.6.1	Time
The time (in milliseconds) of the data point.
2.1.3.6.2	Point #
The numerical point (beginning from 0) in the data at which the point occurs.
2.1.3.6.3	Stimulus
The stimulus voltage applied at the time of the data point.  This is useful for data that was 
recorded using a ramp type stimulus.  This option can only be used if there are analog output 
channels enabled (i.e., you were applying a stimulus).  If there are multiple analog output 
channels enabled, you will be prompted for which to use.

NOTE: The stimulus that is used is that which was applied during the first record in the series.  
So if the stimulus changed with each successive record, then the X-axis generated using this 
option may not be appropriate for records after the first.
2.1.3.6.4	None
No value is entered for the X axis.
2.1.3.7	Y Values
Selecting this item allows the user to select the format of the values that are to be exported from 
the data.  The normal format is "Real Values", which causes the values to be the true value of the 
data (this takes into account the gain).  The other format is "12 Bit" in which case the values 
written are the 12-bit values (-2048 -> 2047) recorded by the data acquisition board.
2.1.3.8	Sample
Selecting this item allows the user to select whether or not to undersample the data in the 
exported file.  The data can either not be undersampled or else undersampled by a factor as much 
as 20 (every twentieth data point is written to the data file).  This feature is useful if your 
exported data files are too large.
2.1.3.9	Go!
Selecting this item causes the export operation to begin.  If you have opted to select the timing by 
cursor selection, you will first do that.  See Timing Selection, below.  You will next be 
prompted for the name of the file to which the data will be exported.  If a file of this name 
already exists, Tack will warn you and give you the option of overwriting the file or else of 
choosing a new name.
2.1.3.10	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation and the data is not exported.

2.1.4	DOS Shell
When this is selected the user temporarily exits to DOS to perform simple commands.  In order 
to allow this, Tack "spawns" a copy of the DOS command interpreter.  Note that Tack is still 
loaded in memory so there will be less DOS memory available to execute a command.  Type 
"EXIT" at the DOS command line ("C:\>") to return to Tack.

2.1.5	Plot
When this option is selected Tack plots (or prints) data traces to the currently selected 
printer/plotter using the currently displayed data as its guide.  If a printer/plotter has not been 
selected then Tack will nag you to select one (see Config:Printer).

If Tack has been configured to print to file, you will be prompted for the name of the file to 
write.  You will then be prompted to hit any key to begin printing, you may abort the process 
here with the ESC key or the right mouse button.  Otherwise, Tack will print/plot.  As 
mentioned, Tack uses what is on the screen as its guide for printing.  All displayed buffers will 
be printed at their current scale factor.  If scale bars are displayed (see Display:Scale Bars), then 
they will be printed.

Note that this doesn't work as well as it could.  For portrait mode printing, only a screen dump is 
implemented, so your print can be of no higher resolution than the screen.  For landscape mode 
printing, multiple buffers and scale bars may or may not be implemented depending upon the 
printer.  If you have a Laser Jet, for best results, we recommend that you print in HPGL format to 
a file and then use a separate program like "Print-A-Plot" to transform the HPGL file to a nice 
Laser Jet output.

2.1.6	About
When this option is selected Tack will display informative things about itself, these can be 
selected from the submenu:
2.1.6.1	Data
Selecting this item causes information to be displayed about the data stored in one of Tack's 
buffers.  If more than one buffer is loaded, then you will be prompted for the buffer to display 
information about.  A menu appears with the following items:
2.1.6.1.1	A/D Info
General information about the data and how it was sampled.
2.1.6.1.2	Gain List
Displays the gains for all of the channels and records of data in the buffer.
2.1.6.1.3	D/A Info
Displays information about the Output waveform used during data acquisition.
2.1.6.1.4	Comments
Displays any comments recorded with the data file.
2.1.6.1.5	Quit
Closes the menu.
2.1.6.2	Memory
Selecting this item causes a box to appear citing information about the memory available and in 
use by Tack.  There are three types of memory used by Tack.
2.1.6.2.1	Conventional Memory
This is the memory used by all DOS real mode programs  it is limited to a maximum of 640 
Kilobytes (KB).  Tack will show you the total amount and the amount available.
2.1.6.2.2	XMS Memory
This is memory above the 1 Megabyte boundary that can be accessed by Tack if an XMS driver 
(such as Microsoft's HIMEM.SYS) is loaded.  XMS memory allows Tack to store a great deal of 
data without filling up the DOS (conventional) memory area.  If XMS is available Tack will 
store data in it.  The handle to and the amount of XMS memory used by each buffer are shown.
2.1.6.2.3	Disk Memory
This shows the total amount and available amount of disk space on the current disk.
2.1.6.3	Tack
Selecting this item causes a box to appear citing copyright information about Tack.

2.1.7	Quit Program
Selecting this item allows the user to exit the program.

2.2	Buffer Menu
2.2.1	Copy Buffer
Selecting this option allows the user to copy the data in one of Tack's buffers to another buffer.  
The copy buffer menu has four entries:
2.2.1.1	Source Buffer
This is the buffer from which the data is to be copied.  If only one buffer is loaded, then this is 
automatically set to that buffer.  Otherwise, selecting this item brings up a selection box from 
which the user can choose the buffer to copy from.
2.2.1.2	Dest Buffer
The buffer to which the data is to be copied.  Selecting this item brings up a selection box from 
which the user can select the buffer to copy to.  The user can either overwrite existing data in an 
already loaded buffer or else copy into a new buffer.
2.2.1.3	Go!
Selecting this item causes the buffer to be copied.
2.2.1.4	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation and the buffer is not copied.

2.2.2	Delete
Selecting this option allows the user to delete various things from Tack's memory (not disk).  
The delete menu has five entries:
2.2.2.1	Buffer
Selecting this allows the user to delete the contents of a single buffer.  Select the buffer you wish 
to delete from the selection box that appears.  Once a buffer is deleted, all buffers above it are 
shifted down.  So, if you have four buffers loaded (A-D) and delete buffer B, then you will end 
up with three buffers (A-C), where buffer B now contains what was in C previously and buffer C 
contains what was in D previously.
2.2.2.2	All Buffers
Selecting this allows the user to delete all data that is loaded in Tack. The contents of all buffers 
are deleted.
2.2.2.3	Channel
Selecting this allows the user to delete a single channel of data from the current buffer.  If there is 
only one channel of data in the current buffer, then the entire buffer will be deleted.  The current 
buffer is shown on the bottom of the screen on the status line.  
2.2.2.4	Records
Selecting this allows the user to delete a range of data records from the current buffer.  If you 
select all of the records in the buffer, then the entire buffer will be deleted.  The current buffer is 
shown on the bottom of the screen on the status line.  If the current buffer contains multiple 
channels of data, then the selected range of records will be deleted from all channels in the 
buffer.
2.2.2.5	Quit
Selecting this item exits from this menu.

2.2.3	Modify
Selecting this option allows the user to modify various aspects of data that is loaded in Tack's 
memory (not disk).  The modify menu has five entries:
2.2.3.1	Sampling Int
Selecting this allows the user to change the sampling interval of the data in the current buffer.  
The value for the sampling interval entered here must be larger than the existing sampling 
interval, and must be an integer multiple of the old value.  Tack will enforce this.

NOTE: It is not good practice to change the sampling interval of data after it has been recorded.  
This feature was implemented as a means of reducing the number of data points for generating 
HPGL plots (as some programs to which HPGL data is imported cannot handle HPGL plots 
with large numbers of points).
2.2.3.2	Timing
Selecting this allows the user to change the timing of the data in the current buffer.  The new 
timing range can be entered either numerically or graphically (by cursor selecting the timing in 
the data trace with the mouse and cursor keys), See Timing Selection, below.
2.2.3.3	Gain
Selecting this item allows the user to change the gain for the data in the current buffer.

NOTE:  The gain of the data is not likely to change after the data has been recorded.  This 
feature was implemented in order to allow you to correct for stupid errors.
2.2.3.4	Data
Selecting this allows the user to change the values of the data loaded into Tacks' buffers.  The 
modify data menu has five options:
2.2.3.4.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data will be modified.
2.2.3.4.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data will be 
modified.
2.2.3.4.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will be modified.
2.2.3.4.4	Operation
This allows the user to select the operation to perform on the data.  Five operators are available, 
these allow the user to combine the selected data with a user-specified factor:
2.2.3.4.4.1	* Multiply
This multiplies the selected data by a user-specified factor.  The user will be queried as to 
whether to scale the gain of the data accordingly.  You would typically answer yes.
2.2.3.4.4.2	/ Divide
This divides the selected data by a user-specified factor.  The user will be queried as to whether 
to scale the gain of the data accordingly.  You would typically answer yes.
2.2.3.4.4.3	+ Add
This adds to the data a user-specified factor.  Note that in this case, the user-specified factor is 
12-bit, i.e., -2048 to 2047. 
2.2.3.4.4.4	- Subtract
This subtracts from the selected data a user-specified factor.  Note that in this case, the user-
specified factor is 12-bit, i.e., -2048 to 2047.
2.2.3.4.4.5	Separate Recs
This separates (staggers) the data records from each other by a user-specified factor.  Note that in 
this case, the user-specified factor is 12-bit, i.e., -2048 to 2047.
2.2.3.4.5	Go
Selecting this causes the selected operation to be performed on the selected data.
2.2.3.4.6	Quit
Selecting this closes the menu.  The selected operation is not performed on the selected data.
2.2.3.5	Quit
Selecting this item exits this menu.

2.2.4	Add
Selecting this option allows the user to add the data in two of Tacks' buffers together.  The 
resultant data may be stored in another buffer or overwrite one of the original buffers.  Between 
the two buffers, channel 0 is added to channel 0, channel 1 is added to channel 1, etc., and record 
1 is added to record 1, record 2 is added to record 2 etc.  If the buffers have unequal numbers of 
records or channels, then Tack will use the least common denominator between the two buffers.  
The add menu has five entries:
2.2.4.1	X Adder
This is one of the two buffers to add together.  Selecting this brings up a selection box from 
which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.4.2	Y Addend
This is the buffer which is to be added to the adder buffer (above).  Selecting this brings up a 
selection box from which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.4.3	Z = X+Y Dest
This is the buffer to which the result of the addition operation is to be written.  Selecting this 
brings up a selection box from which the user can select the destination buffer.  The user can 
either overwrite existing data in loaded buffers or else copy the buffer's contents to a new buffer.
2.2.4.4	Go!
Selecting this causes the buffer addition to occur.
2.2.4.5	Quit
Selecting this cancels this operation, the buffer addition does not occur.

2.2.5	Subtract
Selecting this option allows the user to subtract the data in one of Tacks' buffers from the data in 
another buffer.  The resultant data may be stored in another buffer or overwrite one of the 
original buffers.  Between the two buffers, channel 0 is subtracted from channel 0, channel 1 is 
subtracted from channel 1, etc., and record 1 is subtracted from record 1, record 2 is subtracted 
from record 2 etc.  If the buffers have unequal numbers of records or channels, then Tack will use 
the least common denominator between the two buffers.  The subtract menu has five entries:
2.2.5.1	X Subtractor
This is the buffer from which the subtrahend buffer is to be subtracted.  Selecting this brings up a 
selection box from which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.5.2	Y Subtrahend
This is the buffer which is to be subtracted from the subtractor buffer (above).  Selecting this 
brings up a selection box from which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.5.3	Z = X-Y Dest
This is the buffer to which the result of the subtraction operation is to be written.  Selecting this 
brings up a selection box from which the user can select the destination buffer.  The user can 
either overwrite existing data in loaded buffers or else copy the buffer's contents to a new buffer.
2.2.5.4	Go!
Selecting this causes the buffer subtraction to occur.
2.2.5.5	Quit
Selecting this cancels the operation and the buffer subtraction does not occur.

2.2.6	Average
Selecting this option allows the user to average the data in two of Tacks' buffers.  The resultant 
data may be stored in another buffer or overwrite one of the original buffers.  Between the two 
buffers, channel 0 is averaged with channel 0, channel 1 is averaged with channel 1, etc., record 1 
is averaged with record 1, record 2 is averaged with record 2 etc.  If the buffers have unequal 
numbers of records or channels, then Tack will use the least common denominator between the 
two buffers.  The average menu has five entries:
2.2.6.1	X Buffer 1
This is one of the buffers to average.  Only two buffers may be averaged together.  Selecting this 
item brings up a selection box from which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.6.2	Y Buffer 2
This is the other buffer to average.  Only two buffers may be averaged together.  Selecting this 
item brings up a selection box from which the user can select this buffer.
2.2.6.3	Z Destination
This is the buffer to which the result of the averaging operation is to be written.  Selecting this 
item brings up a selection box from which the user can select the destination buffer.  The user 
can either overwrite existing data in loaded buffers or else copy the buffer's contents to a new 
buffer.
2.2.6.4	Go!
Selecting this causes the buffers to be averaged.
2.2.6.5	Quit
Selecting this cancels this operation, the buffers are not averaged.

2.3	Edit Menu
2.3.1	Normalize
Selecting this option allows the user to subtract baseline data from data.  The normalize menu 
has six entries:
2.3.1.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data will be normalized.
2.3.1.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data will be 
normalized.
2.3.1.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will be normalized.
2.3.1.4	Timing
This allows the user to select the timing of the baseline segment of the data.  The user may select 
the baseline timing either numerically, or graphically (see Timing Selection, below).
2.3.1.5	Go!
Selecting this item causes the selected data records to be normalized.
2.3.1.6	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the selected data records are not normalized.

2.3.2	Leak Subtract
Selecting this option allows the user to subtract a "leak" current (time-invariant current, that 
scales linearly with voltage) from the data.  This function is implemented for data records that 
represent current.  The leak subtract menu has eight entries:
2.3.2.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data will be leak subtracted.
2.3.2.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data will be leak 
subtracted.
2.3.2.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will be leak subtracted.
2.3.2.4	Input Res
This allows the user to specify the resistance that will be used to calculate the leak current.  The 
user can enter the input resistance (in megaohms) or else can choose to calculate the input 
resistance from the data.  If you choose to calculate the input resistance, when you select go (see 
below), you will be transferred to function that will calculate this (see Measure:Input 
Resistance, below).
2.3.2.5	Stimulus
This allows you to specify how Tack will figure out the range of voltages for the records that are 
to be leak subtracted.  If there is a stimulus description stored with the file (and outputs were 
enabled), then Tack can figure it out automatically.  If there were more than one output enabled, 
then you will be prompted for which to use.  Otherwise, you can enter the stimulus voltages 
manually.  Specify the voltage range for the range of records that you wish to leak subtract.  If 
more than one record is specified, you will be prompted for a voltage and an increment.  The 
voltage, should be the voltage for the starting record, the increment specifies how much the 
voltage is to be incremented with each successive record.  The starting voltage should be relative 
to the holding potential.
2.3.2.6	Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records that will be leak subtracted.  
This timing may be selected either graphically (see Timing Selection, below) or numerically.
2.3.2.7	Go!
Selecting this item causes the selected data records to be leak subtracted.
2.3.2.8	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the selected data records are not leak subtracted.

2.3.3	Average Recs
Selecting this option allows the user to average a range of records in a data buffer.  The result can 
be written to a new buffer (overwriting it if it had data before), or to the same buffer, overwriting 
one record.  The average recs menu has six entries:
2.3.3.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data records will be averaged.
2.3.3.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data records will be 
averaged.
2.3.3.3	Records to Average
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will be averaged.
2.3.3.4	Destination
Select the destination to which the average will be written.  This can be the same buffer from 
which the records originated (in which case you will be prompted for which record to overwrite) 
or else a different buffer.  If it is a different buffer, then it will be overwritten with the new data.
2.3.3.5	Go!
Selecting this item causes the selected data records to be averaged.
2.3.3.6	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the selected data records are not averaged.

2.3.4	Scale 'n Sub
Selecting this option allows the user to subtract from a range of data records a scaled copy of the 
data in a given record.  The algorithm used is as follows: 

record#i = record#i - factor * model_rec,
where
factor = (i - zero_level) / (model_rec - zero_level).

NOTE that if the denominator is model_rec = zero_level, then factor = i-zero_level.

The Scale 'n Sub menu has six entries:
2.3.4.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data records will be scaled and subtracted.
2.3.4.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data will be scaled 
and subtracted.
2.3.4.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will have a scaled copy of the model record (see below) subtracted from them.
2.3.4.4	Model Rec
This allows the user to specify which data record to scale and subtract from the other specified 
records in this buffer.
2.3.4.5	Zero Level
This allows the user to specify the record at which the data traces would change sign.  This does 
not have to be an integer value, you may use a fractional value if needed.  This value is used in 
calculating the scaling factor (see above).
2.3.4.6	Go!
Selecting this item causes the scale 'n sub operation to occur.
2.3.4.7	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the scale 'n sub operation does not occur.

2.3.5	Smooth
Selecting this option allows the user to smooth (low-pass filter) the data.  The smooth menu has 
eight entries:
2.3.5.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data will be smoothed.
2.3.5.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data will be 
smoothed.
2.3.5.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
will be smoothed.
2.3.5.4	Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the selected data records, over which the data 
will be smoothed.  The user may select this timing either graphically (see Timing Selection, 
below) or numerically.
2.3.5.5	Smooth By
Selecting this allows the user to select the smoothing method that will be used.  Three smoothing 
methods are available, a Gaussian filter, a moving average (rolling window) and a FFT (fast 
fourier transform)-based algorithm.  The Gaussian Filter lowpass filters the data with a user-
specified -3db cutoff freq. This uses the algorithm from "Single Channel Recording" ed. B. 
Sakmann & E. Neher, Chap 11.  The moving average algorithm successively takes the local 
average of a number of data points around some central data point and then replaces the central 
data point with the average.  The FFT algorithm, performs a FFT on the data, and then low pass 
filters it and then reverse FFTs it.  This uses an algorithm from Numerical Recipes in C.
2.3.5.6	Cutoff Freq/Window Size/Degree
Selecting this allows the user to specify the parameter that determines the amount of smoothing 
that will happen to the data.  This menu entry has a different name depending on what smoothing 
algorithm is selected.  Cutoff freq - this specifies the -3db cutoff frequency for the Gaussian 
Filter.  Window Size - this specifies the width of the window over which the data will be locally 
averaged for the Moving Average algorithm.  Degree - this specifies the point in frequency space 
where the smoothing begins for the FFT algorithm.  For the latter two algorithms, higher values 
give more smoothing.
2.3.5.7	Go!
Selecting this item causes the selected data records to be smoothed.
2.3.5.8	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the selected data records are not smoothed.

2.4	Display Menu
2.4.1	Buffer
Selecting this item allows the user to select the current buffer.  If more then one buffer is loaded, 
a selection box will appear from which the user can select a buffer.  The current buffer is 
indicated on the status line at the bottom of the display.  Buffers may also be selected with the up 
or down cursor keys or by typing the letter of the buffer (these only work no menu is currently 
selected).

2.4.2	Channel
Selecting this item allows the user to select the current channel of data in the current buffer.  The 
current channel is shown on the status line on the bottom of the display.

2.4.3	Record
Selecting this item allows the user to select the current data record in the current buffer on the 
current channel.  The current record is then displayed on the screen.  This differs from the 
Display:Buffer and Display:Channel in that in addition to selecting the record, the data is also 
displayed on the screen.  The current record is shown on the status line on the bottom of the 
display.

2.4.4	Clear Screen
Selecting this option clears the data display area.

2.4.5	All Records
Selecting this option causes all of the records in the currently selected buffer on the currently 
selected channel to be displayed in the data display area.  The current record is set to the last 
record in the buffer.

2.4.6	Zoom
Selecting this option allows the user to zoom in on (or reset the zoom of) the currently displayed 
data records.  The zoom menu has four options.
2.4.6.1	Dynamic
This allows the user to select the scale factor, offset factor and range of timing used for zooming 
in on the data, in a dynamic fashion.  The user marquee-selects the part of the data traces to zoom 
in on.  All displayed data traces are redrawn to zoom in on the selected area.

Select the area in the data traces that you want to zoom in on.  Use the mouse or keyboard:  
Marquee-select a region using the mouse (click and drag).  Once you release the mouse button 
you will zoom in.  Or: Use the cursor keys to move the box.  Hold the shift key down while using 
the cursor keys in order to resize the box.  For both of these ops, the amount of box movement 
for each keystroke is controlled by the step factor, which can be increased or decreased using the 
+ and - keys.  Hit return when done, or else cancel with ESC.
2.4.6.2	Manual
Selecting this allows you to set the scale factor, offset factor and timing range used for scaling 
manually.  You will select these values for a single buffer at a time and any displayed data for 
this buffer will be redrawn at the new zoom factors.  There are seven entries on the manual zoom 
menu.
2.4.6.2.1	Buffer
This allows you to select the buffer whose data records you will be setting the scale, offset and 
timing ranges for.
2.4.6.2.2	Channel
This allows you to select the channel in the selected buffer for which you will be setting the 
scale, offset and timing ranges for.
2.4.6.2.3	Scale by
This allows you to enter manually the scale factor at which records are displayed (magnified by).  
When you enter a value for this parameter, all displayed records will redraw at this scale factor.
2.4.6.2.4	Offset
This allows you to enter manually the offset factor by which records are vertically offset when 
displayed.  0 would cause no offset, 1.0 would cause the displayed records to move to the top of 
the screen, -1.0 to the bottom of the screen etc. If a number is entered for this parameter, all 
displayed records will redraw using this offset factor.
2.4.6.2.5	Timing
This allows you to enter manually the range of timing over which records in the currently 
selected buffer will be displayed.
2.4.6.2.6	Reset
This causes the scale factor, offset factor and timing range to be reset for the currently selected 
buffer.  All displayed records for the currently selected buffer are redrawn.
2.4.6.2.7	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.
2.4.6.3	Reset
This causes the scale factor, offset factor and timing range to be reset for all displayed data in 
ALL buffers.  All displayed records are redrawn.
2.4.6.4	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.

2.4.7	Scale Bars
This allows the user to display scale bars for your data.  The scale bars are displayed for the data 
in the currently selected (and displayed) record, on the selected channel in the selected buffer.  
The scale bar menu has five entries.
2.4.7.1	Height
This allows the user to enter the height, or amplitude of the scale bar.
2.4.7.2	Width
Enter the width (in msec) of the scale bar.
2.4.7.3	Label?
This allows you to select whether or not to label the scale bars.
2.4.7.4	Go!
Selecting this draws and allows you to control the placement of the scale bars.  The screen clears 
and you can move and change the orientation of the scale bars.  Use the cursor keys or mouse to 
move the scale bars around the screen.  The "+" key changes the cursor key movement 
increment.  Hitting The space bar rotates the scale bars.  Hit Enter when done, or ESC to cancel.
2.4.7.5	Quit
Selecting this cancels the operation, the scale bars are not drawn.

2.5	Measure Menu
2.5.1	Dynamic Scan
Selecting this allows the user to take measurements from the current record, on the current 
channel in the current buffer.  Using the cursor, you can measure values and times from the data.  
The lower line of the screen indicates the value of the data at the time where the cursor is.  Use 
the cursor keys or the mouse to move the cursor (vertical scan bar).  For cursor movement, the + 
key changes the movement increment.  Ctrl-Cursor Keys make bigger jumps. The Enter key (or 
right mouse button) drops the 1st cursor and starts a second cursor.  The ESC key aborts the 
dynamic scan operation.  If two cursors are in place then hitting the F2 key will calculate the 
mean of the data over the timing range, hitting the F3 key will calculate the minimum and 
maximum values of the data over the timing range, hitting the F4 key will calculate the area 
under the curve for the timing range.  Hitting the F5 key fits a line (mx+b) to the data for the 
timing range.

2.5.2	Peak values
Selecting this allows you to measure peaks from the data.  The amplitude and times of the 
peak(s) are recorded.  The measurements can be displayed graphically or numerically and can be 
saved to a file.  The peak values menu has ten options.
2.5.2.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the measurements of.
2.5.2.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make measurements of.
2.5.2.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make measurements of.
2.5.2.4	Peak type
This allows you to select the peak finding strategy.  The options are: maximum deviation, which, 
given a max & a min, selects the one with the largest absolute value, maximum, which selects 
the maximum, and minimum, which selects the minimum.
2.5.2.5	Peak Average Width
This allows you to specify for how many points around the peak an average will be taken.  This 
allows you to smooth out spurious peaks.  The value entered should be odd.  A value of one will 
allow you to measure just the value of the peak.
2.5.2.6	X Axis Values
This allows the user to enter the type of values that will be put on the X axis of the data plot (and 
which would be put in the first column of an ASCII data file).  The X axis may be either the 
record number or voltage.

For voltage, if you have a stimulus description in the file, and the output was enabled, then Tack 
can use that data to determine the stimulus voltage.  Otherwise, you can enter the voltages 
manually, as such: the voltage of the first record in the series, and an increment, which is how 
much the voltage is incremented with each successive record.
2.5.2.7	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records within which the values will be 
measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing Selection, 
below).  Note that if you are measuring at a single point in time, this will be only a single time 
point.
2.5.2.8	Measurements
This allows the user to specify whether the measurements that you make should be the actual 
values of the data or relative to a baseline measurement.
2.5.2.9	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records which is the baseline for 
measuring the values.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing 
Selection, below).  If you have selected to make measurements relative to the baseline, the 
average value of the data over the baseline timing will be subtracted from the values measured 
over the data timing.
2.5.2.10	Go!
Selecting this causes the measurement operation to proceed.  If you have chosen to graphically 
select any of the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timings have all 
been selected, the measurements will be plotted on the screen and you have several options.  Hit 
any key to bring up the menus.
2.5.2.10.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the numerical measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in other 
programs.
2.5.2.10.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the numerical data.
2.5.2.10.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the plot unobstructed.
2.5.2.10.4	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.
2.5.2.11	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.

2.5.3	Average values
Selecting this allows you to measure the average over some portion of the data.  The standard 
deviation is also recorded.  The measurements can be displayed graphically or numerically and 
can be saved to a file.  The average values menu has nine options.
2.5.3.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the measurements of.
2.5.3.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make measurements of.
2.5.3.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make measurements of.
2.5.3.4	X Axis Values
This allows the user to enter the type of values that will be put on the X axis of the data plot (and 
which would be put in the first column of an ASCII data file).  The X axis may be either the 
record number or voltage.

For voltage, if you have a stimulus description in the file, and the output was enabled, then Tack 
can use that data to determine the stimulus voltage.  Otherwise, you can enter the voltages 
manually, as such: the voltage of the first record in the series, and an increment, which is how 
much the voltage is incremented with each successive record.
2.5.3.5	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records within which the values will be 
measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing Selection, 
below).  Note that if you are measuring at a single point in time, this will be only a single time 
point.
2.5.3.6	Measurements
This allows the user to specify whether the measurements that you make should be the actual 
values of the data or relative to a baseline measurement.
2.5.3.7	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records which is the baseline for 
measuring the values.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing 
Selection, below).  If you have selected to make measurements relative to the baseline, the 
average value of the data over the baseline timing will be subtracted from the values measured 
over the data timing.
2.5.3.8	Go!
Selecting this causes the measurement operation to proceed.  If you have chosen to graphically 
select any of the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timings have all 
been selected, the measurements will be plotted on the screen and you have several options.  Hit 
any key to bring up the menus.
2.5.3.8.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the numerical measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in other 
programs.
2.5.3.8.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the numerical data.
2.5.3.8.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the plot unobstructed.
2.5.3.8.4	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.
2.5.3.9	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.

2.5.4	Point values
Selecting this allows you to measure the value of the data at a single point.  The measurements 
can be displayed graphically or numerically and can be saved to a file.  The point values menu 
has nine options.
2.5.4.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the measurements of.
2.5.4.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make measurements of.
2.5.4.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make measurements of.
2.5.4.4	X Axis Values
This allows the user to enter the type of values that will be put on the X axis of the data plot (and 
which would be put in the first column of an ASCII data file).  The X axis may be either the 
record number or voltage.

For voltage, if you have a stimulus description in the file, and the output was enabled, then Tack 
can use that data to determine the stimulus voltage.  Otherwise, you can enter the voltages 
manually, as such: the voltage of the first record in the series, and an increment, which is how 
much the voltage is incremented with each successive record.
2.5.4.5	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records within which the values will be 
measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing Selection, 
below).  Note that if you are measuring at a single point in time, this will be only a single time 
point.
2.5.4.6	Measurements
This allows the user to specify whether the measurements that you make should be the actual 
values of the data or relative to a baseline measurement.
2.5.4.7	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records which is the baseline for 
measuring the values.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing 
Selection, below).  If you have selected to make measurements relative to the baseline, the 
average value of the data over the baseline timing will be subtracted from the values measured 
over the data timing.
2.5.4.8	Go!
Selecting this causes the measurement operation to proceed.  If you have chosen to graphically 
select any of the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timings have all 
been selected, the measurements will be plotted on the screen and you have several options.  Hit 
any key to bring up the menus.
2.5.4.8.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the numerical measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in other 
programs.
2.5.4.8.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the numerical data.
2.5.4.8.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the plot unobstructed.
2.5.4.8.4	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.
2.5.4.9	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.

2.5.5	Integral values
Selecting this allows you to measure the integral value (area) of the data over some portion of it.  
The measurements can be displayed graphically or numerically and can be saved to a file.  The 
integral values menu has nine options.
2.5.5.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the measurements of.
2.5.5.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make measurements of.
2.5.5.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make measurements of.
2.5.5.4	X Axis Values
This allows the user to enter the type of values that will be put on the X axis of the data plot (and 
which would be put in the first column of an ASCII data file).  The X axis may be either the 
record number or voltage.

For voltage, if you have a stimulus description in the file, and the output was enabled, then Tack 
can use that data to determine the stimulus voltage.  Otherwise, you can enter the voltages 
manually, as such: the voltage of the first record in the series, and an increment, which is how 
much the voltage is incremented with each successive record.
2.5.5.5	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records within which the values will be 
measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing Selection, 
below).  Note that if you are measuring at a single point in time, this will be only a single time 
point.
2.5.5.6	Measurements
This allows the user to specify whether the measurements that you make should be the actual 
values of the data or relative to a baseline measurement.
2.5.5.7	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records which is the baseline for 
measuring the values.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing 
Selection, below).  If you have selected to make measurements relative to the baseline, the 
average value of the data over the baseline timing will be subtracted from the values measured 
over the data timing.
2.5.5.8	Go!
Selecting this causes the measurement operation to proceed.  If you have chosen to graphically 
select any of the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timings have all 
been selected, the measurements will be plotted on the screen and you have several options.  Hit 
any key to bring up the menus.
2.5.5.8.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the numerical measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in other 
programs.
2.5.5.8.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the numerical data.
2.5.5.8.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the plot unobstructed.
2.5.5.8.4	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.
2.5.5.9	Quit
Selecting this exits this menu.

2.5.6	Membrane Resistance
Selecting this allows the user to calculate the membrane (input) resistance for data recorded 
under voltage-clamp.  The input resistance is best calculated from data that has no voltage-
activated currents.  The input resistance menu has eight entries:
2.5.6.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to calculate the input resistance 
from.
2.5.6.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
calculate the input resistance from.
2.5.6.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
whose data you wish to calculate the input resistance from.
2.5.6.4	Stimulus
This allows you to specify how Tack will figure out the range of voltages for the records from 
which to calculate the membrane resistance.  If there is a stimulus description stored with the file 
(and outputs were enabled), then Tack can figure it out automatically.  If there were more than 
one output enabled, then you will be prompted for which to use.  Otherwise, you can enter the 
stimulus voltages manually.  Specify the voltage range for the range of records that you wish to 
leak subtract.  If more than one record is specified, you will be prompted for a voltage and an 
increment.  The voltage, should be the voltage for the starting record, the increment specifies 
how much the voltage is to be incremented with each successive record.  The starting voltage 
should be relative to the holding potential.
2.5.6.5	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records that is the baseline for 
calculating the input resistance.  The baseline timing may be selected either graphically (see 
Timing Selection, below) or numerically.
2.5.6.6	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records over which the input 
resistance will be calculated.  This timing may be selected either graphically (see Timing 
Selection, below) or numerically.
2.5.6.7	Go!
Selecting this item causes the input resistance to be calculated and displayed in megaohms.  If 
you have chosen to graphically select the timing(s), the screen will first clear and allow you to do 
this.
2.5.6.8	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the input resistance is not calculated.

2.5.7	Cell Capacitance
Selecting this allows the user to calculate the cell capacitance for data recorded under voltage-
clamp.  The capacitance is measured by calculating the area under a voltage-clamp current 
transient.  Data should be leak subtracted first, no voltage-activated currents should be active in 
the data.  The cell capacitance menu has eight entries:
2.5.7.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to calculate the cell capacitance 
from.
2.5.7.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
calculate the cell capacitance from.
2.5.7.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
whose data you wish to calculate the cell capacitance from.
2.5.7.4	Stimulus
This allows you to specify how Tack will figure out the range of voltages for the records from 
which to calculate the cell capacitance.  If there is a stimulus description stored with the file (and 
outputs were enabled), then Tack can figure it out automatically.  If there were more than one 
output enabled, then you will be prompted for which to use.  Otherwise, you can enter the 
stimulus voltages manually.  Specify the voltage range for the range of records that you wish to 
leak subtract.  If more than one record is specified, you will be prompted for a voltage and an 
increment.  The voltage, should be the voltage for the starting record, the increment specifies 
how much the voltage is to be incremented with each successive record.  The starting voltage 
should be relative to the holding potential.
2.5.7.5	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records that is the baseline for 
calculating the cell capacitance.  The baseline timing may be selected either graphically (see 
Timing Selection, below) or numerically.
2.5.7.6	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records over which the cell 
capacitance will be calculated.  This timing should encompass the full width of the capacitive 
transient.  The data timing may be selected either graphically (see Timing Selection, below) or 
numerically.
2.5.7.7	Go!
Selecting this item causes the cell capacitance to be calculated and displayed in picofarads.  If 
you have chosen to graphically select the timing(s), the screen will first clear and allow you to do 
this.
2.5.7.8	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the cell capacitance is not calculated.

2.5.8	Series Resistance
Selecting this allows the user to calculate the series resistance for data recorded under voltage-
clamp.  The series resistance is measured by calculating the height of a voltage-clamp transient.  
Data should be leak-subtracted first.  Note that this method is not the best method to calculate Rs, 
and will give an underestimate.  The series resistance menu has eight entries:
2.5.8.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to calculate the series resistance 
from.
2.5.8.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
calculate the series resistance from.
2.5.8.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
whose data you wish to calculate the series resistance from.
2.5.8.4	Stimulus
This allows you to specify how Tack will figure out the range of voltages for the records from 
which to calculate the series resistance.  If there is a stimulus description stored with the file (and 
outputs were enabled), then Tack can figure it out automatically.  If there were more than one 
output enabled, then you will be prompted for which to use.  Otherwise, you can enter the 
stimulus voltages manually.  Specify the voltage range for the range of records that you wish to 
leak subtract.  If more than one record is specified, you will be prompted for a voltage and an 
increment.  The voltage, should be the voltage for the starting record, the increment specifies 
how much the voltage is to be incremented with each successive record.  The starting voltage 
should be relative to the holding potential.
2.5.8.5	Baseline Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records that is the baseline for 
calculating the series resistance.  The baseline timing may be selected either graphically (see 
Timing Selection, below) or numerically.
2.5.8.6	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of timing in the data records over which the series 
resistance will be calculated.  This timing may be selected either graphically (see Timing 
Selection, below) or numerically.
2.5.8.7	Go!
Selecting this item causes the series resistance to be calculated and displayed in megaohms.  If 
you have chosen to graphically select the timing(s), the screen will first clear and allow you to do 
this.
2.5.8.8	Quit
Selecting this item cancels this operation, the series resistance is not calculated.

2.6	Noise Menu
2.6.1	Mean/Variance
Selecting this allows you to make a mean/variance plot from your data.  The variance of the data 
will be plotted vs the mean.  This is useful for estimating single channel conductances from 
whole-cell currents.  The mean/variance plot can be displayed graphically or numerically and can 
be saved to a file.  The measure mean/variance menu has seven options.
2.6.1.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the mean/variance analysis 
from.
2.6.1.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make the mean/variance analysis from.
2.6.1.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make the mean/variance analysis from.
2.6.1.4	Data Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records over which the mean and 
variance will be measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see 
Timing Selection, below).
2.6.1.5	Subdivisions
This allows the user to subdivide the timing specified by Data Timing (above) into multiple, 
equally sized subdivisions.  This allows you to generate multiple mean/variance data points from 
each record.
2.6.1.6	Go!
Selecting this causes the mean/variance measurements to proceed.  If you have chosen to 
graphically select any of the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the 
timings have all been selected, the mean/variance plot will appear on the screen and you have 
several options.  Hit any key to bring up the menus.
2.6.1.6.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the mean and variance measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use 
in other programs.
2.6.1.6.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the numerical data.
2.6.1.6.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the plot unobstructed.
2.6.1.6.4	Quit
Selecting this leaves this menu.
2.6.1.6.5	Quit
Selecting this leaves the measure mean/variance menu.

2.6.2	Histogram
Selecting this allows you to make a histogram from your data.  The frequency of occurrence of 
data values within the specified bin width will be plotted.  The histogram can be displayed 
graphically or numerically and the data can be saved to a file.  The histogram menu has nine 
options.
2.6.2.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the histogram from.
2.6.2.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make the histogram from.
2.6.2.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make the histogram from.
2.6.2.4	Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records over which the histogram will 
be measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see Timing 
Selection, below).
2.6.2.5	Histogram Range
This allows the user to select the range of values within the data records, over which the 
histogram will be calculated.
2.6.2.6	Width of Bin
This allows the user to select the size of the bin used in calculating the histogram.  The number 
and width of the bins are interrelated with the histogram range.
2.6.2.7	Number of Bins
This allows the user to select the number of bins used for the histogram.  The number and width 
of the bins are interrelated with the histogram range.
2.6.2.8	Go!
Selecting this causes the histogram calculation to proceed.  If you have chosen to graphically 
select the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timing has been 
selected, the histogram plot will appear on the screen and you have several options.  Hit any key 
to bring up the menus.
2.6.2.8.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the histogram measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in other 
programs.
2.6.2.8.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the histogram data in a numerical format.
2.6.2.8.3	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the histogram plot unobstructed.
2.6.2.8.4	Quit
Selecting this leaves this menu.
2.6.2.9	Quit
Selecting this leaves the measure histogram menu.

2.6.3	Power Spectrum
Selecting this allows the user to generate a power spectrum from data.  The power spectrum can 
be displayed graphically or numerically and the data can be saved to a file.  The power spectrum 
menu has nine options.
2.6.3.1	Buffer
This allows the user to select the buffer whose data you wish to make the power spectrum from.
2.6.3.2	Channel
This allows the user to select the channel of data in the selected buffer whose data you wish to 
make the power spectrum from.
2.6.3.3	Records
This allows the user to select which data records, on the selected channel, in the selected buffer, 
you wish to make the power spectrum from.
2.6.3.4	Timing
This allows the user to select the range of time in the data records over which the power 
spectrum will be measured.  The timing can be selected numerically or by cursor selection (see 
Timing Selection, below).
2.6.3.5	Number of Poles
This allows the user to select the number of poles (or order) for the power spectrum.  This 
determines the sharpness of the spectral features you can measure in the spectrum.  In practice 
you wants to limit the order to a few times the number of sharp spectral features that you want to 
fit.  Limiting it in this fashion will smooth the spectrum somewhat, but this is often desirable.  
Try values of 10-50 for 1000 to 10000 data points.  Note that the algorithm used can be quirky 
for large numbers of poles and will suggest spurious peaks in the spectrum, or might find 
multiple peaks for a single true spectral peak.  So try to use the smallest values.
2.6.3.6	Frequency Range
This allows the user to select the frequency range over which the power spectrum will be 
calculated.  Note that the maximum frequency for which you can calculate the power spectrum is 
limited to one half the sampling frequency.  The frequency range and interval are interrelated and 
limited to 16383 data points.
2.6.3.7	Freq Interval
This allows the user to select the frequency interval for the power spectrum.  The frequency 
interval and range are interrelated and limited to 16383 data points.
2.6.3.8	Go!
Selecting this cause the power spectrum calculation to proceed.  If you have chosen to 
graphically select the timing, the screen will clear and allow you to do this.  After the timing has 
been selected, the power spectrum will be calculated and plotted on the screen, you then have 
several options.  Hit any key to bring up the menus.
2.6.3.8.1	File Data
This allows the user to put the power spectrum measurements into an ASCII (text) file for use in 
other programs.
2.6.3.8.2	View Data
This allows the user to view the power spectrum data in a numerical format.
2.6.3.8.3	View Coefficients
This allows the user to view the coefficients used in generating the power spectrum.  This 
probably isn't very useful to you.
2.6.3.8.4	Review Plot
Selecting this clears away the menus so that you can see the power spectrum plot unobstructed.
2.6.3.8.5	Quit
Selecting this leaves this menu.
2.6.3.9	Quit
Selecting this leaves the measure power spectrum menu.

2.7	Config Menu
2.7.1	Graphics Display
Selecting this option allows the user to specify the type of graphics display installed and the 
display resolution that Tack should use.  Normally, the graphics autodetect setting should be 
used.  For a given display type to be used, the requisite display driver file (they have the 
extension ".BGI") MUST be present in the same directory as Tack.
2.7.1.1	Display Type
Selecting this option allows the user to select a graphics display type.  Twelve settings are 
available.

Note:  If your computer does not support the display type that you have selected, you may well 
crash the program when you try to switch display types.
2.7.1.2	Resolution
Selecting this option allows the user to select a display resolution for the selected display type.  
Note that some display types have only one available resolution.

Note:  If your computer's display adapter does not support the resolution that you have selected, 
you may well crash the program when you try to switch display resolutions.
2.7.1.3	Okay
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the graphics display type and 
resolution to go into effect.
2.7.1.4	Cancel
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the graphics display type and 
resolution to be canceled.

2.7.2	Colors
When this option is selected a color demonstration window appears and a menu appears from 
which the user can select the colors of the various components of the Tack screen.  The various 
components are the menu bar, status line, popup boxes and data window.  For menus, the user 
can control the background, text, frame and select letter colors.  For the status line, the user can 
control the background and text colors.  For popup boxes, the user can control the background, 
text and frame colors.  For the data window, the user can control the background, frame and axis 
colors as well as the colors for the data in up to eight buffers.
2.7.2.1	Menus
2.7.2.2	Status Line
2.7.2.3	Popup Boxes
2.7.2.4	Data Window
When the user selects one of these menu options, another menu appears from which the user can 
select the color for the elements of the windows (i.e. frame color of popup window).  Clicking on 
an element will select the next available color for that element, this will be shown in the color 
demonstration window.  Typing the select letter of that element will do the same.  Holding the 
SHIFT key down while typing the select letter of that element will select the previous color for 
that element.  Select Okay when you are done setting the colors.
2.7.2.5	Use Defaults
When this option is selected, the colors of all of the elements of the Tack display revert to their 
default settings.
2.7.2.6	Okay
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the color scheme to go into 
effect.
2.7.2.7	Cancel
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the color scheme to be canceled.

2.7.3	Font
Selecting this option allows the user to specify the font that will be used by Tack.  For all but the 
default font, the requisite font file (they have the extension ".CHR") MUST be present in the 
same directory as Tack.  An example of some text written in the selected font is displayed.
2.7.3.1	Font
Selecting this option allows the user to select the font family that will be used by Tack.  Eleven 
font families are available.  The default font is a bit-mapped font, the others are stroked (outline) 
fonts.
2.7.3.2	Height
Selecting this option allows the user to set the height of the font that will be used by Tack.  If the 
selected font family is the default, bit-mapped font, the height and the width must be the same.
2.7.3.3	Width
Selecting this option allows the user to set the width of the font that will be used by Tack.  If the 
selected font family is the default, bit-mapped font, the height and the width must be the same.
2.7.3.4	Okay
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the font to go into effect.
2.7.3.5	Cancel
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the font to be canceled.

2.7.4	Printer
Selecting this option allows the user to specify the type of printer that Tack will use and its 
configuration.
2.7.4.1	Printer
Selecting this option allows the user to specify the type of printer that is installed.  Six printer 
options are available:
2.7.4.1.1	None
No printer is attached.
2.7.4.1.2	Apple Imagewriter II
This printer configuration will also work with a C-Itoh 8510.
2.7.4.1.3	IBM Proprinter
This printer configuration will also work with many other Epson compatible printers.
2.7.4.1.4	HP Laserjet 2
This printer configuration will also work with many other PCL-4  compatible printers.
2.7.4.1.5	HP Plotter (HPGL)
This printer configuration will also work with many other HPGL compatible printers.  It is useful 
to select this mode and print to a file in order to export data traces for use in other programs.
2.7.4.1.6	HP Laserjet 3
This printer configuration uses the HPGL mode of PCL-5. BUT, unless your printer has a bunch 
of memory it may not work.  Use Laserjet Series II mode in that case.
2.7.4.2	Destination
Selecting this option tells Tack where to find your printer.  The destination can be to file, or the 
selected parallel or serial port.  If the destination is file, then whenever you print, the print job 
will go to a file in the format used by the selected printer.  Printing to file is useful for exporting 
data traces in a graphical format, using HPGL files.  If the destination is a serial port, the menu 
that appears will allow you to configure Tack to use the same serial port configuration as the 
serial printer you have attached.
2.7.4.3	Orientation
Selecting this option allows the user to set the orientation for the print job, landscape (wide) or 
portrait (narrow).
2.7.4.4	Settings
Selecting this option allows the user to controls settings for specific printers.  For dot matrix 
printers, this allows you to set whether the print will be bold (two passes) or normal.  For 
Laserjet printers, this allows you to set the print resolution in dots per inch (dpi).
2.7.4.5	Okay
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the printer configuration to be 
saved.
2.7.4.6	Cancel
Selecting this option causes any changes that have been made to the printer configuration to be 
canceled.

2.7.5	Display Options
Selecting this option allows the user to control aspects of how data is displayed on the screen.
2.7.5.1	Show all pts in record
If this is enabled then Tack will display all of the data points for a given record on the screen.  
That is, if there are more data points in a record than there are pixels on the screen horizontally 
then Tack will show multiple Y points for each X point.  If this is disabled then Tack will only 
display one Y point for each X point.  Disabling this feature causes the display to draw faster.
2.7.5.2	Connect the points
If this is enabled then Tack will connect the data points on the screen with lines.  This causes the 
display of data to look nicer, but significantly slows the display of data.
2.7.5.3	Okay
Selecting this option exits the display options menu.

2.7.6	Other Options
Selecting this option allows the user to control several very important aspects of Tack's 
operation.  These are described below:
2.7.6.1	XMS
Enabling this feature allows Tack to use memory accessed via the XMS specification in order to 
store data acquired before writing it to disk.  XMS memory is memory above the 1 MB boundary 
on PC-AT class computers (80286 and above class microprocessors).  This memory can only be 
accessed if you have installed the XMS driver HIMEM.SYS (supplied free of charge by 
Microsoft), or a compatible XMS driver (e.g. Desqview's QEMM memory manager) in your 
config.sys file.  The use of XMS allows Tack to store data above the conventional memory area, 
which allows more room for Tack to work.  This feature need not be disabled unless you suspect 
a problem or else have other needs.
2.7.6.2	Sounds
Selecting this toggles the state of sound generation by Tack.  If sounds are disabled, then Tack 
will make no noise.
2.7.6.3	Okay
Selecting this causes any changes that have been made to the items on this menu to be saved.
2.7.6.4	Cancel
Selecting this causes any changes that have been made to the items on this menu to be discarded.

2.7.7	Write Config File
Selecting this option causes the current configuration data to be written to the TACK.CFG 
configuration file.  Only the items that are on controlled by config menu are stored in this file.  
These are:
 	Graphics display adapter & resolution
 	Colors
 	Font
 	Printer
 	Sounds
 	Display Settings (Show All Pts, Connect the Pts)
 	XMS Usage

3.	Timing Selection
In many of Tacks' functions, you will need to select a range of timing within a data record.  For 
these cases you have the option of numerically selecting the timing (by entering the times at the 
prompt) or by cursor selecting the timing.  If you choose to select the timing with cursor 
selection, then when you begin the operation you are doing (i.e., normalizing), then the screen 
will redraw and you are at the timing selection screen.  The timing selection screen uses its own 
menu bar.  The options available are:
3.1	Okay
Selecting this will accept the timing for the record(s).  This means...

If you are selecting the timing for all records at once (all records are displayed at the same time) 
then selecting okay accepts the timings and exits the timing selection screen, moving on to the 
next operation.

If you are selecting the timing for records individually (each record is displayed by itself, not 
available for all operations), then selecting okay accepts the timings for this record and moves on 
to the next record.  If this is the last record, then it exits the timing screen and moves on to the 
next operation.  

The hot key for this is the ENTER key or the right mouse button.
3.2	Cancel
Selecting this cancels the timing selection operation (timings are not saved).
3.3	Record
This menu controls aspects of timing selection related to the records:  They are...
3.3.1	Select Individually/Select All at once
This toggles between allowing you to select the timing for all records at the same time, or by 
selecting the timings for each record individually.

NOTE: This is not available for all operations (for some operations, you can only use the same 
timing for all records).
3.3.2	Go To (Record #)
This moves the record count ahead.  If you are selecting individually (not available for all 
operations) and the record that you select is after the current record, then the timing for all 
records in between are set to that of the current record.
3.3.3	Forward (Next Rec.)
This moves the record count forward one.  In individual timing selection mode, this is equivalent 
to selecting the main menu option "Okay", except when it hits the last record, it doesn't exit the 
timing selection screen.
3.3.4	Backup (Prev. Rec.)
This moves the record count back one.  This is especially useful if you are selecting each record's 
timing individually and you screwed up.
3.4	 Cursor
This menu controls aspects of timing selection related to the cursor(s):  They are...
3.4.1	Switch Cursor
If there are more than one cursor, this switches between them.  That is, it changes the active 
cursor.  The active cursor is shown as a solid line, and it's timing is indicated in the status line at 
the bottom of the screen.

The cursors can also be switched by clicking near them with the mouse.
3.4.2	Cursor Step Factor
This allows you to select how much the cursor moves when you use the Shift-cursor key 
combination.  Note that on some keyboards, this only works with the cursor keys on the inverted 
"T" (i.e., not those on the numeric keyboard).  Ctrl-cursor key moves the cursor in steps equal to 
1/20 of the record size.  Cursor keys alone move the cursor in increments of the sampling 
interval.
3.4.3	Go To (Time)
This moves the cursor(s) to the time that you specify.  Note that this may be off-screen if you are 
zoomed in.
3.5	 Zoom
This menu controls aspects of the display of the data records.  They are...
3.5.1	Autoscale
Enabling this causes the displayed record(s) to be drawn so that the fill the screen vertically.  
Disabling it causes the displayed record(s) to be drawn at a magnification of 1.
3.5.2	Dynamic Zoom
This allows you to select the scale factor, offset factor and range of timing used for the displayed 
record(s) in a dynamic fashion.  You marquee-select the part of the data record(s) you want to 
zoom in on, and then all displayed data traces are redrawn at the new zoom factor.
3.5.3	Manual Zoom
This allows you to select the scale factor, offset factor, and timing range used for the displayed 
record(s) manually.  You enter these values on a menu and all displayed records will be redrawn 
at the new settings.
3.5.4	Reset Zoom
This resets the scale factor, offset factor and display timing range.  All displayed records are 
redrawn.
3.6	 Options
This menu controls options for the timing selection operation.  They are...
3.6.1	Show all pts in record
If this is enabled, then all displayed records will be redrawn showing all points in the record.  
This means that if there are more data points in a record than there are pixels on the screen 
horizontally, then Tack will show multiple Y points for each X point.

If this is disabled, then Tack will only display one Y point for each X point.

Disabling this feature causes the display to draw faster.
3.6.2	Connect the points
If this is enabled, then Tack will connect the data points on the screen with lines.  This causes the 
display of data to look nicer, but significantly slows the display of data.
3.6.3	Print (Screen Dump)
Selecting this causes what's on the screen to be printed.  The print is only a screen dump (portrait 
mode) and is only supported on certain printers.

4.	Conclusion
We hope that you understand all of the features that have been described here and that Tack 
serves you well.  We would appreciate your comments on the program and manual.  We always 
want to know about bugs in the program and will endeavor to fix them as speedily as is possible.  
We also would value your suggestions for new features and ways to improve this program.  We 
try to thoroughly test all features and be sure that everything works properly, but we are not 
responsible for any loss of data or damage caused by this program.  We can be reached as 
follows: 

White Perch Software
84 Farnham St.
Belmont, MA  02178

www.ultranet.com/~ggrant/whiteperch	(world-wide web)
	
ggrant@ultranet.com			(e-mail)




