        Announcing Release 8.5 - 8.7 of Trade Wars Helper

Release 8.7 enhanced the Universe Mapping module to be able to locate
the Stardock in the version 2.00 games (both MBBS and V2B5) using the
Level Diagramming Method.  Two new Run Time Options were added to deploy
Armid and Limpet mines while auto expoloring the universe or moving to a
specific sector.  The graphics map will also show the presence of these
mines.  The /4E routine was added to send E-probes to the nearest
unexplored sector.  The /h and /P commands were expanded to allow the
hauling or purchase of fighters.

Release 8.6 fixes some problems that were created as a result of all the
changes for the GUI.  Release 8.6 also introduces a new command for the
evil player, /S, which does the sell/steal script if the port is buying
equipment and the rob script if the port is selling equipment.  This
very useful command works great on those equipment/organic pairs that
the good players have traded down. 

The big news for release 8.5 was the optional Graphical User Interface
(GUI) for Trade Wars Helper.  When using the GUI the graphics map is
displayed in the upper center portion of the screen.  To its left are
the gauges and readouts such as time and turns remaining, current
sector, fighters, shields and many more.  To the right of the map are
the buttons clicked on to initiate actions such as trade, explore,
attack and others.  The bottom portion of the screen is an eight line
CRT to display the messages from Trade Wars.  By being able to click on
the function you want and seeing the gauges, readouts, map and CRT, your
screen becomes the cockpit of spaceship!  You just gotta see it! 

In addition to minor improvement, other new features of release 8.5
included the enhancement of the /A command to attack fighter, the
expansion of the rob RTO to include the percentage of the onhand amount
to rob, the improvement of the /2e command to holoscan obvious dead end
sectors, and the change to the min/max RTO to exclude the /p command.  A
BBS dialing capability was also added to assist user with communication
programs that don't shell to dos or free up enough conventional memory. 

This latest release is named TWHELP87.ZIP and can be downloaded on the
first call from the Just FUN Software BBS (801) 278-8839 and logging on
as "Just Fun" with a password of "Software".  The file size is 240K and
14,400 bps capability is available.  This archive contains the program
module for a 5000 sector universe but not the GUI versions. 

The GUI versions are in a separate zip file named TWHGUI87.ZIP.  Its
file size is 395K.  There is a real mode version that can handle around
4000 sectors and a protected mode version which handles 5000 sectors.
Although the GUI is normally available to registered users only, this
zip file contains an example data file that allows unregistered users to
check out the GUI. 

Even if you're using another TW utility, take a look at this GUI.  It's
truly like being at the controls of your own spaceship with mouse
control of most functions.  This GUI combined with the awesome power of
Trade Wars Helper makes this a program you'll want to have! 

Trade Wars Helper is a players TERMINAL PROGRAM with an optional
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE that maintains an ONLINE DATABASE of sectors
with their port, warp to, and other information.  Several commands are
available to utilize this information in addition to AUTOMATING most of
the repetitive processes and a GRAPHICS MAP display. 

Trade Wars Helper - Don't leave FedSpace without it!
