HR2RLE.DOC

        HR2RLE
 HiRes to Run Length Encoder
  For the Commodore 64
   (c) 1985 by Chrisdos.
    All rights reserved.
        Ver 1.0


The HR2RLE program will allow you to convert almost any HiRes image to
a RLE format file that can be uploaded online, and can be read back by
any computer that can translate the RLE data.
 HR2RLE will convert the area of memory starting at $6000 and extending for
8000 bytes to RLE data and save it to disk. This is compatable with DOODLE
and other programs that store their HiRes bitmaps at $6000.

        Usage
        -----
 Simply LOAD"HR2RLE",8 and run.
        You will be prompted for the exact filename of the picture to convert.
        Then you will be asked for the filename for the output. HR2RLE will add
 ".RLE" to the filename so you know it is in a RLE Format.
        You will then be prompted for <RETURN to TEXT>. If you enter "y" then 
HR2RLE will add the code that tells the RLE decoding program to return to
TEXT mode to the end of the file. Entering any other key means No.
        Next question is X Offset. Since the C64 screen is 320 pixels wide,
and the RLE file can only handle 256, there is a 64 pixel gap. You can tell
HR2RLE on what pixel column to start the conversion. 0 is the first column.
32 would be the 256 pixels in the center of the screen. 63 would be the
256 of the right most pixels.
        You can then do the same for the Y Offset. The screen is 200 pixels
long, but RLE can only do 192 of them. Y = 0 is the top 192 rows, Y = 7 is the
bottom 192 rows. (in other words, skip the first 7.)
        The last question is Normal or Inverse. This means you can create an
RLE file with white and black reversed if you enter an "i". Any other key
means normal.

        The screen will goto HiRes and the picture file you gave will load.
        HR2RLE will then read the picture from the scree and write the RLE
file. As it does it, the area it is working on will reverse image.
        If there is a DISK ERROR, (picture file not found, bad file name, drive 
not ready, etc.) HR2RLE will hang, Hit Run/Stop/Restore to exit.

        The file will be written to disk, and when finished, you will return
to normal text screen.
        The RLE file may then be uploaded for use online.

NOTE: The option to selectively add the <RETURN to TEXT> signal at the end
of the RLE file is there because of the way RLE Decoding programs operate.
When you view a RLE file from a CIS source (CB pictures, weather maps, etc.)
a <GOTO HIRES> signal is sent to you, then the RLE data. At the end, CIS waits
for you to send a <RETURN> then cis sends a <RETURN TO TEXT> signal that
resets your terminal program to text mode. If you did not get the <RETURN TO
TEXT> then your terminal program might be hung in graphics mode.
        The problem with creating your own RLE file is that there is no eazy
way to hold off that <RETURN to TEXT> signal at the end of the file since
it is only a character in the file. About the only way to hold off the <R2T>
is to send a Control-S at the very last line of the file. You may then
process or look at the image on your screen. When you are ready to continue
you may send a Control-Q to resume transmition. The <R2T> characters will be
send and your terminal reset to normal.
 Unless you have a special need to not have the <R2T> characters, the add it.
 If you upload a file that does not have it, make sure to say so in the
description.


        The RLE files should be uploaded in 7 bit ASCII mode so that they may
be directly READ from a Data Library.

This file and the program are (c) 1985 by Chrisdos. All rights reserved.