Warning:
If this program has been previously installed, ensure that you backup the database files in the ../Data folder (&adt and *adi files) before reinstalling. Once re-installation is done then copy back (overwrite) the newly installed dtabase files with the old ones. If this is not done then you will lose all previous data entered. In any event, it is recommended that you periodically backup the database files as a matter of course and insurance against hard disk crashes.

A newer (modernised) version of this program will be made once I find the time to do so. Unfortunately the database system will be different and the programs will be incompatible. The reasons for choosing an alternative database are many but suffice to say that the change will allow running the program on a server and also incorporate provision for transferring data to other applicatiosn (probably MS Excel) for further processing should the need arise.

Although this program is copyrighted, it is free to distribute to anyone you like provided it is in unmodified form and no attempt is made to alter the program in any way (other than the databse contents if you so choose). If you are a raw material manufacturer and wish to distribute this program to your clients, the same restrictions apply other than if you would like a "Splash Screen" with your companies logo added to the program start up then this can be done free of charge provided the prerequisite information is supplied to enable me to do this. Details are available on request.

As with all programs of this type, no warranty or guarantee can be offered, whether implicit or explicit. In other words, you use the program at your own risk. In particular it should be noted that resin formulation per se and this type of program in particular, requires an in-depth understanding of polymer chemistry to be worthwhile. I often come across individuals (or corporations) who believe that using a "Polymer Calculator" allows them to formulate resins that will process well and be of value to their market. This is simply not the case. One needs to know what one is doing. These calculators are tools that form part of the resin formulation and development process - they are not accounting software where one plus one is two - there are simply too many side reactions in organic chemistry that prevent this degree of minimalism.

To utilize this program first unzip with WinZip (Windows XP has an "integrated" unzip program which will work as well) to a temporary folder and then run the Setup.exe program.

System Requirements:
LeCalc should run on any Windows based operating system from Windows 95 upwards. Any personal computer from Intel's Pentium One upwards (or the AMD equivalents) with 64 MB of RAM and 4 MB of free disk space should be sufficient. The program installs by default into your Programs folder under\programs\polymer solutions\. The database is installed under the same directory under .\Data. This directory can be changed but necessitates changing the "Ini" file manually. If you have some reason for changing the directory then let me know and I'll let you have the details.

Screen Resolution:
Although the program will run under 800 X 600 screen resolution it is best viewed at a resolution of 1024 X 768 which is becoming more of a "standard" for internet browsing and to which many users have adjusted their screens.

For further information please refer to the help file integrated into the program itself.

If you have any problems with the installation or the actual program then please do not hesitate to contact me at polsol@iafrica.com. In any eventuality, please drop me an email to let me know that you have this software and possibly what you think of it. As with most software, I anticipate that upgrades will be necessitated in the future and I will then be able to keep you informed when (if) they become available.

Hope you enjoy it.

Tony Masefield
October 2006
