PaTacho - P(C) a(s) Tacho(meter) - Version 1.0 released 24.12.13

0. Contents
===========
1. What you need
2. Requirements
3. Connecting PC and Railway
4. License
5. Trademarks


1. What you need
================
You'll need a PC with Parallel Port (LPT1 through LPT3) and one or two
switches (Märklin H0 Circuit Tracks, Reed relais, photoelectric barrier, ...).
This is sufficient to use PaTacho as a stopwatch.
If you enter scale and length of lap and/or test stretch, then PaTacho will
also calculate the actual and prototypical speed of the vehicle.


2. Requirements
===============
You need a PC with an 80386dx processor (486dx recommended), with VGA,
parallel printer port (LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3);
MS-DOS 5.0 or higher or a compatible third party DOS.

Windows 95 or Windows 98
------------------------
You can start PATACHO.EXE from the Windows GUI. Windows switches to DOS mode
when you start the program.
OR simply hit F8 during the boot sequence and your PC will start in MS-DOS mode
(MS-DOS 7.0 bzw. 7.1).
You can also use a boot diskette as described under Windows Me.

Windows Me
----------
The solutions described for Windows 95 and Windows 98 do not work for
Windows Me - except for using a boot diskette.
To create a boot diskette (under Windows 95, 98, or Me), please open the
Control Panel under "Start", then "Setting", go to "Add/Remove Programs" and
open the "Startup Disk" tab; here you hit the "Create Disk..." button.

Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP
---------------------------------------
These operating systems are not based on MS-DOS.
Currently I have no experience if and how PaTacho can be used under these
operating systems.
Tip: you may start DOS from diskette, bootable CD, or USB memory stick to
execute PaTacho.


3. Connecting PC and Railway
============================
Rear view of the printer port connector:
------------------------------------------------------
\(13)(12)(11)(10)( 9)( 8)( 7)( 6)( 5)( 4)( 3)( 2)( 1)/
 \ (25)(24)(23)(22)(21)(20)(19)(18)(17)(16)(15)(14) /
  --------------------------------------------------
PaTacho uses pin 13 for switch 1, pin 12 for switch 2.
Pins 18 through 25 are common ground.

Tip: Each Märklin curcuit track includes 2 cables; for temporary use you can
simply plug the blank ends of these cables into the holes of the printer port
(see image1.jpg).

That's how I used PaTacho in the beginning.
Meanwhile I prepare a soldered plug that makes connecting and disconnecting
much more easy (see image2.jpg).


Another tip: after starting the program, hit "C" for the configuration screen
where you enter scale, lap length and length of the test stretch; hit "H" or
"F1" for further information.

4. License
==========
All rights not expressly granted here are reserved to Thomas Hövel Software.
The use or distribution of this product is expressly prohibited, except as
authorised by the terms of this agreement.
You may not use, copy, rent, lease, sell, modify, decompile, disassemble,
otherwise reverse engineer, or transfer the licensed program except as
provided in this agreement or permitted by applicable laws.
You agree that this software will not be used, in any manner, in violation of
any applicable law.

This software is NOT a public domain program. It is copyrighted by
Thomas Hövel Software. This software and accompanying documentation are
protected by German copyright law and also by international treaty provisions.

Thomas Hövel Software grants you a limited, non-exclusive license to use this
software.

Limited Distribution License
All ASP BBS, Publisher, or Vendor members may distribute this software,
completely unaltered, without further permission.

Permission to distribute this software package is not transferable,
assignable, saleable, or franchisable. Each vendor wishing to distribute the
package must independently satisfy the terms of this limited distribution
license.

U.S. Government Information: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the
U.S. Government of the computer software and documentation in this package
shall be subject to the restricted rights applicable to commercial computer
software as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the Rights in Technical
Data and Computer Software clause at 252.227-7013 (DFARS 52.227-7013). The
Contractor/manufacturer is
  Thomas Hövel Software, Saturnstraße 45, 53842 Troisdorf, Germany.

Thomas Hövel Software may revoke any permissions granted here, by notifying
you in writing. All rights not expressly granted here are reserved to
Thomas Hövel Software.

Limited Warranty
This Software and manual are provided free of charge,
on an "as is" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
Thomas Hövel Software disclaims all Warranties relating to this software,
whether expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied
Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Neither Thomas Hövel Software nor anyone else who has been involved in the
creation, production, or delivery of this Software shall be liable for any
indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use or
inability to use such Software, even if Thomas Hövel Software has been advised
of the possibility of such damages or claims.
The Person using the Software bears all risk as to the quality and performance
of the Software.
This limitation does not apply if the damage was caused intentionally or by
gross negligence on the part of Thomas Hövel Software.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of
Germany and shall inure to the benefit of Thomas Hövel Software and any
successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding
brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this
agreement shall be brought only in a court of competent jurisdiction located
in Germany (Siegburg, Bonn, or Cologne if applicable).
The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts.


5. Trademarks
=============
Der Märklin-Schriftzug und das Märklin-Logo sind eingetragene Marken der
Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH.
Es besteht keine geschäftliche Verbindung zwischen Thomas Hövel Software und
Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH.

Windows, MS-DOS und ähnliche sind Warenzeichen oder eingetragene Marken der
Firma Microsoft. Es besteht keine geschäftliche Verbindung zwischen
Thomas Hövel Software und der Firma Microsoft.