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Conference hydra::amiga_v1

Title:AMIGA NOTES
Notice:Join us in the *NEW* conference - HYDRA::AMIGA_V2
Moderator:HYDRA::MOORE
Created:Sat Apr 26 1986
Last Modified:Wed Feb 05 1992
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5378
Total number of notes:38326

1811.0. "Viewing SIXEL files with SMOKEY." by LEDS::BUSCH (Dave Busch at NKS1-2) Mon Oct 24 1988 13:56

Is it possible, and if so, how does one view sixel files when logged in to VMS
via SMOKEY? 

I've had intermittent success in downloading IFF files to VMS. After converting
to sixel format with CSIX I sometimes get a picture which has something wrong
with the line feeds or colors or whatever which makes the picture look like it
has extra white scan lines in it. I'd like to be able to view the results so
that if there was an error in the transmission (via Kermit) I can re-transmit. 

BTW, to send the .IFF file, I get into Kermit, set file type binary, select
Kermit server and then "Kermit Send" the .IFF file. There are no indications of
problems, except that at the end of the transmission, Kermit tells me that the
number of "retries" was -1. Is this correct? 

Dave
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
1811.1 My two cents CRISTA::CAPRICCIOWhat about pointed sticks?Mon Oct 24 1988 22:3514
To view a SIXEL file, merely TYPE it. The results seen when using Smokey
seem to depend on the number of bit planes selected (via script or "Display"
pull-down menu) and whether it's a color or monochrome file.
CSIX seems to optimize for the hardcopy result (which is excellent) rather
than for a video terminal. If you type a CSIX'ed file to a SIXEL-supported
terminal (VT125,VT240, etc), the results seem comparable to Smokey.
I believe the -1 retries is normal (at least I see it all the time and luckily
downloads/uploads seem to go smoothly). 
You may want to ARC or ZOO the files first before sending it.

Hope this helps,

Pete
1811.2How do I get color?LEDS::BUSCHDave Busch at NKS1-2Tue Oct 25 1988 08:487
< To view a SIXEL file, merely TYPE it. The results seen when using Smokey 
< seem to depend on the number of bit planes selected (via script or "Display" 
< pull-down menu) and whether it's a color or monochrome file. 

How do I set/select the color map in Smokey if I select a depth of 3 bit-
planes. Everything seems to be in B&W (or whatever) and each pass overwrites the
previous colors.
1811.3Setting bit planes...RAVEN1::EVERHARTTue Oct 25 1988 12:325
	To se the number of bit planes, you have to do so in the VT200.init
    file.  I believe the command is  DEPTH n  where n is the number
    of planes.  Good luck.
     - Chris
1811.4LEDS::BUSCHDave Busch at NKS1-2Tue Oct 25 1988 13:5910
                           -< Setting bit planes... >-

<	To set the number of bit planes, you have to do so in the VT200.init
<	file.  I believe the command is  DEPTH n  where n is the number
<	of planes.      

How does this differ from setting the depth from the pull down menu, and if so, 
how do you specify the colors?

Dave
1811.5 Well, black and white are colors aren't they? CRISTA::CAPRICCIOWhat about pointed sticks?Wed Oct 26 1988 18:0039
Sorry for the misleading remarks. You did say "color" didn't you. It seems
the best Smokey can do (X1.0 anyways) is sorta greyscale. From the docs:

>       If you want to display sixel files, then it is best to have a depth
> of 3.  If you use less then 3, the sixels will only be in one color.  The
> default colors for sixels are black, 1/3 white, 2/3 white, and full white.
> If you aren't going to be using sixels, then make sure your depth is 2 or 1
> to improve emulator performance.

With a color file, you can see the difference between selecting 1,2 or 3
planes.
Setting the depth in the INIT file or the pulldown menu is the same (when
using a custom screen, anyways). Again from the docs:

INIT file:

> DEPTH         Define the depth of the window/screen           (INIT)
>    Format:
>       DEPTH n         Number of planes in window/screen
>    Example:
>       DEPTH 1         Minimum depth
>       DEPTH 2         Same as Workbench
>       DEPTH 3         Max depth.  Suggested use when displaying sixels.


Pulldown Menu:

> Display       
>       Depth                   - Change number of Bit Planes in CUSTOM screen.
>               1               - select one plane (most efficient)
>               2               - select two planes (adequate)
>               3               - select three planes

Sorry for the confusion. I gave up on Smokey because its a real pig on memory
and it doesn't like to give it all back after terminating it. Also, I've had
trouble using it with ConMan. Too bad, 'cause it's got alot of nice features.

Pete