Introduction

Data Limits

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Using

Using EnCalcLU Version: 3.4 Size: 509KB Released: 06-December-2011

To use the program you need to enter two sets of meter readings taken on different dates. The program will calculate the cost between these two dates and if 'Predict' is not 0 will predict the water cost for the specified number of periods ahead based on the amount used as calculated from the readings. The prediction accuracy will improve the greater the time between the two sets of meter readings. Be warned the prediction accuracy will also be affected by seasonal variations such as weather and the number of people using water. See the log files and screen shot for examples of use.

For an overview of the data limits including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Data buttons are clicked any relevant fields set to zero will be cleared. Hovering over the various data boxes with the mouse pointer will cause the Tool Tips to be displayed which give information as to what the box is for and what the data limits are if it is for data entry. Use the tab key to move sequentially between data input boxes (not the water data values) or the mouse pointer to select individual boxes. Negative numbers are displayed in orange without the minus sign.

Entering invalid data will cause an error pop up to appear explaining what is wrong when Calculate is clicked. These errors must be resolved before the Calculate or Save Data functions will work. If an internal program error occurs data will be written to the log file if possible and an error number will be displayed. Any errors of this type should be reported since they indicate a bug.

Actual Period, Prediction Period And Fixed Charge Calculation
Water suppliers are not noted for the predictability of their billing dates and although the nominal period may be 6 months the dates do vary, also the billing period is unlikely to align with a real month start date. For these reasons the 6 month period calculation is a compromise which allows for an extra ten days. This is to stop fixed charges being incorrectly calculated. This does mean that if the actual period being costed is just over one year the fixed charges may still be incorrectly calculated. This possible error does not occur with predicted results. For the actual formulae used click here. The Actual and Prediction Period is in either in six month increments or monthly increments (If the Monthly box is ticked). Fixed charges are multiplied by either the Actual Period to the nearest next six month increment or the Predicted Period for predicted results. The Predicted Period is calculated from the earliest date entered. Fixed charges cover either 6 months or one month dependent on whether the monthly option is checked. For the actual formula used click here.

Cost and Use per Day
The program will display the water cost and use per day for the actual results.

Currency And Date Formats
This is defined by the settings in the computer Regional Options which can be accessed via the Control Panel. The currency symbol reflects the settings in the Currency Tab. The date format reflects the Short Date format setting in the Date Tab. The currency or date settings can be changed with the program running. Currency changes will be reflected next time Calculate. Reset Data or Clear are clicked. Date format changes will be effective for the next new calculation. Entering a different currency symbol to that selected in the Regional Options Currency Tab is treated as an error. Id the short date format selected gives a date greater than eleven characters in length the date will be reformatted to 'dd-mmm-yyyy'.

Default Values And Get Last
The cost of water and sewage, the prediction period, whether the program runs on top, the prediction period size and how save works can be saved as default values by clicking on the Save Data button. The Reset Data button is used to restore the saved default values. These details should be entered and saved before you first use the program. This information can be obtained from your last water bill or from the supplier.

Fixed Costs
Fixed Costs are calculated by multiplying the fixed cost value by the number of complete and partial quarter or months dependent on the setting of the Monthly checkbox. For the actual formulae used click here.

Discount 1
Discount 1 is a fixed or percentage discount subtracted before VAT/Tax and is multiplied by the number of complete and partial quarter or months for the both the actual and predicted calculations. To calculate Discount 1 as a percentage check the Discount 1 % checkbox. Discount 1 can be used to handle discounts for early payment. For the actual formulae used click here.

Discount 2
Discount 2 is either a discount multiplied by the number of complete and partial quarter or months for both the actual and predicted calculations applied after VAT/Tax or a fixed amount subtracted from the actual and predicted results. Discount 2 can be used to allow for one off credits due to over payment. The history log shows a fixed discount 2 by means of the letter F in front of the discount figure. For the actual formulae used click here.

Function Keys
Each button on the various screens can also be operated from the keyboard by pressing the <Alt> key and letter combination shown below:

Get Last And Rem Last
The Get Last button is used to retrieve the last saved date and meter reading. Each time a calculation is saved the last date and readings are saved to the history log and are available for retrieval. The last readings saved are also retrieved on start up if they exist. The Rem Last button is used to delete the last saved date and meter reading.

Logging
The main log file can be used to capture the results of calculations Each entry is date and time stamped. Any internal program errors will also be written to the results log file. A start up message is written to the log file each time the program is started which shows the program version. For a real example of using the program and more details about the log files look at Log Files. There is also a history log which which stores a running record of the last set of data entered. By clicking on the Archive button the results log file can be archived and a new one created, see Log File for details of the location and naming of archived files. It is also possible to clear the results log without archiving it by clicking on the Archive button and selecting No when prompted.

Meter Readings
Meter readings are entered in cubic metres to one decimal place.

No History
Ticking the No History checkbox stops the history log being updated when calculations are saved. The state of this checkbox is not saved and the program starts with history logging enabled. When a calculation is saved and this flag is ticked a confirmation box gives the opportunity to cancel save and reset the checkbox.

Update Check
Clicking on the Update button on the main screen connects EnCalcLU to the JSutils web site to check if it is the latest version. If not you will get the opportunity to download the latest version.

Volume Units
By default EnCalcLU works in cubic metres, however ticking the Volume Units checkbox changes the program to work in 1000 gallon units.