April 2007 - Fractint - mailman.xmission.com

FOTD 23-04-07 (Fractal Armor [7])
by Jim Muth 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 23, 2007 (Rating 7) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: Today's discussion will be very brief. No, I am not very busy, I simply have a slight case of spring fever. Today's image came about when I added an infinitesimal part of Z^(-32) to straight (Z) and checked the X-axis. I named the image "Fractal Armor" because the elements surrounding the midget remind me of mail armor. Then I rated it at a 7. The calculation time of 12 minutes would be more convenient if it were a few minutes shorter, but if the image is viewed on the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> the calculation time becomes irrelevant. The Sunday weather was absolutely perfect here at Fractal Central -- nothing but sun and a temperature of 79F 26C. With little work to contend with, we could not be blamed for spending the afternoon sitting on the river bank, feeding the local ducks. The cats spent the afternoon wondering where we were. The next FOTD will appear in 24 hours or so. Until then, take care, and be of long-lasting good cheer. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Fractal_Armor { ; time=0:12:01.61--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=ident passes=1 center-mag=-0.04280764929/0/5678228 params=1e-025/\ -32/1/1/0/0/0/0 float=y maxiter=2400 outside=real inside=0 logmap=321 symmetry=xaxis periodicity=10 colors=000ztMPtNPtOPuPPuQPuRPuSPuTPuUPqTPnTPkTPhSP\ eSPbSPZRPWRPTRPQQPNQPKQPHQOJROKROLROMRONROOSOPSOQS\ ORSOSSOTTOUTOVTOXTOYTOZTO_UO`UOaUObUOcUOdVOeVOhVOm\ VOrVOwVOrWOmXOhYOcZOa_O``OZaOYbOXcOVdOUeOSfORgOPgO\ OhOMiOLjOKkOIlOHmOFnOEoOCpOBqO9rO8sO7sQ8rS8qT9pV9o\ WAnYAmZAl`BkaBjcCidCifChhDgiDfkEelEdnEcoFbqFarG`tG\ _uG_sIZrKYqLXpNXoOWmQVlSUkTUjVTiWSgYRfZRe`QdbPccPa\ eO`fN_hMZiMYkLWmKVnJUpJTqISsHRtHNsNJsTGsZCsd9si7vi\ 5xi6ug6se6qc7oa7m_7kY7iW8gU8eS8bQ8`O9ZM9XK9VI9TGAR\ EAPCANAAL8BK9CKACJBDJCDIDEIEFIFFHGGHGGGHHGIHFJIFKJ\ FLJEMKENKDOLDOLCPMCQNCRNBSOBTOAUPAVPAVHCNADFBCEBCE\ BCEBCDBBDBBDCBCCBCCACCABCABCABD9AD9AD9AD99D99D89E8\ 8E88E88E77E77E77F76F66F66F65F65F65H57I59J5AK5CL5DM\ 4FN4GO4IP4JQ4LR3MS3OT3PU3RV3SW2UX2WY2XZ2Z_2_`1aa1b\ b1dc1ed1ge0hf0jg0kh0mi0nbATTSQJhO9yM7zL6zL7wM7tM7r\ M8oN8mN8jN9hN9eO9bOA`OAYO } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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Rendering Ratio
by David M Fisher 22 Apr '07

22 Apr '07

To all generally, and Jonathan Osuch, in particular: The normal screen resolution of monitor displays is in a ratio of 4:3, ie, 800x600. Is it possible to render in another resolution without distortion? I am interested specifically in 3:2. And if this can be accomplished with fractint, will the saved render need to be cropped, or will it be saved as the current images are, but in the different ratio (3:2)? I realize that in the 3:2 format there will be part of the raster not being used. That is ok, but will the unsued part be part of the saved render, or only the active pixels? I have looked through the fractint documentation and didn't find anything referencing this. This is not to say it isn't there, but only that I didn't locate it. If there is anyone with experience in this area who reads this listing, I would appreciate either direction(s) on how this is to be accomplished, or reference(s) to the documentation so I can find and do it for myself. The reason I need to do this is because my printer has paper sized in the 3:2 ratio and what I now have to do now is dither the finished images to fit the paper size. It is an acceptable fix, and I have sold many in this format, but I would like to have the ability to print an image without <any> distortion whatsoever, so that the printed image is an actual representation of the raster display. If this can not be accomplished, I can continue to march as I have been, but if I can do this at 3:2 I would be extremely pleased. Thanks for taking any time to reply. David M Fisher sunfish(a)intercom.net

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FOTD 22-04-07 (Iteration Chain [8])
by Jim Muth 22 Apr '07

22 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 22, 2007 (Rating 8) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: Due to another big rush, today's discussion is short. But do not be deceived by the brevity; the actual image is well above FOTD average. Today's image came about when I subtracted 5 parts of (1/Z) from Z^(-4), added (1/C) and iterated with the escape radius set to an impressive 3600. I will not begin to describe the immense spidery parent fractal, which is unlike anything that has gone before. Being pleased with the smoothness of the image's colors, I rated it at an 8. I named it "Iteration Chain", a name that could be applied to all fractals. The calculation time of 9-1/2 minutes is marginally within reason. Even more reasonable is the mere minute or so expended by visiting the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> and viewing the completed GIF image there. It was another perfect day here at Fractal Central on Saturday -- a virtual repeat of Friday. And once again the fractal sabre- tooth cats ignored the weather. They were after big prey -- a catnip mouse. My day was very busy, but the work is nearly accomplished, and by Sunday it will be finished. The next FOTD will appear around that time. Until then, take care and keep your fractal spirits high. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Iteration_Chain { ; time=0:09:26.67--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=recip passes=1 center-mag=-0.713802219497/-1.425678410608/\ 3.91862e+007/1/-110/4.2853591961e-005 params=1/-4/\ 5/-1/2.5/3500/0/0 float=y maxiter=256 inside=fmod proximity=0.5 outside=fmod logmap=yes periodicity=10 colors=000zzzwwzttzqqznnzmmzlnzkozjpziqzhrzgrzfrzg\ sziszjszlszntzotzqtzstyrtxrrxrpwrnwrkvrivrgureurbt\ r`trZsrXsrUrrSrrQqrOqrLprJprHorFovAqrDonGnjJlfMkcP\ j_ShWVgSYeP`dLccHfaDi`Al_8eY6_W4TU2NS0IS1HR1HR1GR1\ GR1GR1FR1FR2FQ2EQ2EQ2EQ2DQ2DQ2DQ3CP3CP3BP3BP3BP3AP\ 3AP4AO49O49O49O48O48O48O5AP5BQ6CR6DS7ES7FT8GU8HV9I\ W9JWAKXALYBMZBNZCP_CQ`DRaDSbETbEUcFVdFWeGXfGYfHZgH\ _hI`iIaiJcjJdkKelKfmLgmLhnMioMjpNkqNlqOmrOnsPotPpt\ OosOnsOmrOlrOkrOjqOiqOhqOgpOfpOepNdoNcoNboNanN`nN_\ nNZmNYmNXmNWlNVlNUlMTkMSkMRkMQjMPjMOjMNiMMiMLiMKhM\ JhMIhLHgLGgLFgLEfLDfLCfKBeJAeI9eH8dG7dF6dE5cD4cC3b\ B2bA1a90a80`70`60_50_40Z30Z20Y10Y00X00X00W00W00V00\ V00U00U00T00T00S00S00R00R00Q00Q00P00P00O00O00N00N0\ 0M00M00L00L00K00K00J00J00I00I00H00H00G00G00F00F00E\ 00E00D00D00C00C00B00B00A00A00900800700600500400300\ 2001000000000000000000000 } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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<Brian Prentice> Many of your fractals are very impressive
by Hal Lane 21 Apr '07

21 Apr '07

Brian, Your: > another rendering of Jim's fractal [for his 4/20/07 FOTD]: > http://linuxenvy.com/bprentice/Fractals/Set%2012/BP_12_30.jpg > Brian Prentice is very nice. Many of the other fractals on your site are very impressive, both in their coloring and the fractal content. Were most of your fractals created in UltraFractal? <--<< To see more of Brian's fractals go to: http://linuxenvy.com/bprentice/Fractals/ He has a little under a GB of fractals he has created that I like very much. Don't be put off by the 'Set nn' directory format web pages -- just click on the underlined links -- for example, click on: - Set_6/ and then on - BP_6_64b.jpg - Etc. to see the really great fractal at: http://linuxenvy.com/bprentice/Fractals/Set%206/BP_6_64b.jpg - Hal Lane ######################### # hallane(a)earthlink.net # ######################### -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.5.7/771 - Release Date: 4/21/07 11:56 AM

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FOTD 21-04-07 (Fractured Pancakes [8])
by Jim Muth 21 Apr '07

21 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 21, 2007 (Rating 8) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: Today's image lies near a shapeless blob in the open heart of the parent fractal that results when 5 negative parts of Z^(-1.618) and 1 negative part of Z^(-8.09) are combined and (1/C) is added. At first glance the inside parts of the parent fractal appear to be totally empty. A brief check however shows that the inside parts are filled with a universe of tiny dots. And a check of these dots shows every one to be a new fractal universe. Perhaps the most interesting thing with today's image is the outlined midget just right of center. It is very easy to miss when exploring the apparently featureless fractal interior waste land of the parent fractal. In my opinion, the image rates an honest 8. I named it "Fractured Pancakes" because the sliced blobs give the appear- ance of sliced pancakes cooking on a grill. The calculation time of 23-1/2 seconds will seem like one nanosecond once the image comes into view If one nanosecond is too long to wait for fractal satisfaction, the finished image is posted on the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> Friday turned into an absolutely perfect day here at Fractal Central, with not a cloud in the deep blue sky, light winds and a temperature of 73F 23C. It reads great but the fractal cats were not impressed. They were more interested in wreaking havoc among the empty cartons in the store room. I was a bit too busy to fully enjoy the outside perfection, but I did manage a twenty minute walk in the afternoon sun. As always, the next FOTD will appear in 24 hours. Until then, take care, and what's it all about? Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Fractured_Pancakes { ; time=0:00:23.25--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=recip center-mag=+0.18782704593405150/+0.122085681251137\ 50/95.55852/1/2.5/1.310757e-014 params=-5/-1.618\ /-1/-8.09/0/0/0/0 float=y maxiter=400 inside=bof60 outside=atan periodicity=10 colors=000zzzzzzzzzzzwzztzyqzypzymzxjzxizxizwizvhz\ vhzuhyuhxugwtgvtgutftsfssfrseqrepreprdpqdpqdoqdopc\ opcopcooboobnobnnannannanm`mm`qmbqnbqncqocrpdrqerr\ essfssgstgsuhtvi06l07m08n09o0Ap0Bq0Cr0Dr0Er0Fr0Gr4\ Hr6Ir7Jr8KrALrBMqDMqEMqFMqHMqIMrKMrLMsMMsOMsPMtQMt\ QMuQMvRMvRMwQMwQMwPMwPMwOMvOMuNMtNMsMMr`hl`hk`hjah\ hahgbhfbhdchcchbdh`dh_dhZehXehWfhVfhTghSghRhhPhhOh\ hNihLihKjhJjhHkhGkhFlhDlhCmiAlhBlhBlhBlgBlgClgCkfC\ kfCkfDkeDkeDkeDjdDjdEjdEjcEjcEjcFibFibFibFibFiaGia\ GiaGh`Gh`Hh`Hh_Hh_Hh_IgZIgZIgZIgYIgYJgYJfXJfXJfXKf\ WKfWKfWKfWKeWLdWLdWLcWLcWLbWLbWLaWLaWL`WL`WL_WL_WL\ ZWLZWLYWL_RQYWLX`HVeCUi8Vh9Wg9Xf9YfAZeA_dA`cB`cBab\ BbaCc`Cd`Ce_DfZDgYDh`GgZEgYDgWCgVBgTAgS9gQ8gP7fQ6e\ Q6eR6dR6dS6cS6cT5bT5aU5aU5`V5`V5_W5_W4ZX4ZX4YY4XY4\ XZ4WZ4W_3V_3V`3U`3T`3Ta3Sc3Se2Rg2Ui2Zk2cm2ho2mq2rs\ 1vu1zw1zx1zy1zz1zz1zz0zz0 } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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FOTD 20-04-07 (Four-Leaf Shamrock [8])
by Jim Muth 20 Apr '07

20 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 20, 2007 (Rating 8) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: Add 1/2 part of Z^(-6.6) to 5 negative parts of Z^(-1.1), combine with (1/C) and what do you get? You get the parent fractal of today's image -- a huge fractal shaped roughly like a letter X. Then raise the escape radius to 8.33e+017 and what happens? The fractal starts to evaporate. Today's scene is located right at the edge of the evaporating outside stuff. Today's image would normally be a very fast one, rendering in about 2 minutes. But for some reason, the 'zmag' inside fill, which makes the picture, slows the calculation to 23 minutes, with the passes=t option. The passes=g option is not quite as slow, but it misses too much of the finer detail. I named the image "Four-Leaf Shamrock". Well, that's what it reminds me of. Then I rated it at a lofty 8. In my opinion, it's one of the more unusual FOTD images, well worth its rating. The slow calculation time may be avoided by viewing the finished image on the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> Partly cloudy skies and a warmer temperature of 57F 14C made things far more pleasant here at Fractal Central on Thursday. The fractal cats, who appear to be totally unaware of their 'fractal' nature, spent several hours on their shelf in the sunniest window. I spent even more hours at the computer, trying to bring things back under control. By the end of the day, I had success in sight. The next in the series of FOTD's will appear in 24 hours. Until then, take care, and make a quantum leap to somewhere spectacular. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Four-Leaf_Shamrock { ; time=0:23:03.47--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=recip passes=t center-mag=-25.29974773215104000/+0.42617313408043\ 040/1310/1/-22.5/-2.85858038628905575e-009 params=-5/-1.1/0.5/-6.6/0/8.33e+017/0/0 float=y maxiter=1000 inside=zmag periodicity=10 colors=000uzIptJopKnlLmhLldMk`NjXNiTOhPPhLPZGWQCbG\ 7i73oE9mKFkQLiWRgaXegbcmhasn`olbkkdhjedigahiYgjVfl\ RenOdowg6vd7vb8v`8vY9vWAuTBuRBuPCuMDtKEtIEtFFtDGtB\ GnDFiFFcGFZIFTKFOLFINFDPF8QFANECKDDHDFECGCCFBBFBBF\ BBFABEABEABE9BE9AE9AD8AD8AD8AD8AC7AC7AC79C69C69B09\ B59B59B59B59E68H78K87N97QA6TB6WC5ZD5aE4dF4gG3iG3gI\ 7fKAdMDcOGaQK`SNZUQYWTWYXV__TabSceQeiPglNioMkrLmuN\ lsPkqQjoSimUhkVhiXggYff_edadbbc`dcZfbXgaVZqR_mS_iU\ _eV`aWzcKaTZaP_aL`zHabDcc9dc5ec1fd5he8ieBjfElfHmgL\ nhOphRqiUriXtz`0kzvkfxliyllzifwfaucXr`Rp000VHkTCi_\ TceiZkyUI6RG9QECPDFOBIN9LM8OLBMJELIHJHJIGMGFPFERDD\ UCCXBAZ99a88d67f56i35l24n13o2Ip3Xp4jl9khDkdIk`MkXQ\ kUVlQZlMblIglEklBolMchWTdeI`o7Xp9VpAUqBSqCRqDQrEOr\ FNsGLsHKsIJtJHtKGtLFuMDuNCvOAvP9vQ8wR6wS5wT4rQDnOL\ jMUeKaaIjYGrYHrXJsXKsWMtWNtVPuVQuUSvUTvTVwTWwSYxSZ\ xZbpdehkh`qkUqnRqpPqsMqvK } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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FOTD 19-04-07 (Feathery Fantasia [7])
by Jim Muth 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 19, 2007 (Rating 7) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: My apologies for a short discussion, but we have a minor rush in progress here at F.C. Today's image subtracts 3001 parts of Z^(-1.5) from 3001 parts of Z^(-1.55), then adds straight C. The parent fractal is shaped like a giant arrowhead. The arrowhead is lying inside a huge circle. Today's scene, which has an escape radius of 3500, is located on the northern edge of the arrowhead. I named the image "Feathery Fantasia" and rated it at a 7. The calculation time of 7 minutes may be avoided by viewing the image on the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> Heavy clouds and a chilly temperature of 52F 11C kept the near- record cold April alive and well. The fractal cats noted this, then went about their business. My day became active when an unexpected job came in, which will keep us busy for about three days. The fractals will continue during the rush, but the discussions will be short. The next fractal will appear in 24 hours. Until then, take care, and become one. One of what is up to you to decide. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Feathery_Fantasia { ; time=0:07:03.03--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=ident passes=1 center-mag=-0.35912938856434320/+1.674505578125733\ 00/4747.446/1/55/-6.030292937e-011 params=1/-1.55/\ -1/-1.5/3000/3500/0/0 float=y maxiter=1800 inside=0 logmap=81 periodicity=10 mathtolerance=0.05/1 colors=000KnvKluJjtJhrJgqIeoIcnIblI`kHZiHYhHWfGUdG\ TcGRaGOZFMVFJTFGQDAMFFPHJSINVKRYLT_NYbO`eQdgRgiTjj\ UmlWpnXspZvr_vs`xt`ztavtautbttbsucrucqudpudouenuen\ vfmvflvgkvgjvhivhhwigwifwjewjdwjdxjdwf_ubVtZQrVKpR\ FoNAmG4oJ5lL6jN7gP8eS9bUA`WAYYBW`CTbDRdEOfFMiGJkGH\ mKEoPCrU9tZ7vc4xh2zm0wi2te3qa4nY6kU7hU8eU7bS9_PBXN\ CWMEYLG_KH`JJbIKdIMeHOgIPiHRjGTlEUnDWt8ZoDXkIWgNVc\ SUZXSVaRRfQNhPJjOFfKCbG9cC6c81c43c55c56c58d59f6Bh6\ Dj6Kl6Um7cm7mm7mr7mw7mw8mw8mw8mw8mw9mr9mr9mr9mr9Vr\ 9RrAQrBPr8PmCPhFFcJHZMKUQNUTPUWNUULUTJUSIURGUQEUPC\ UNBUM9UL7UK5UJ4UI7UH9UHCUHEUGGUGJTGLSGNRFQRFSQFXPH\ UQFSQEPRDNRBLRAIS9GS7DV6BX58Y19`4Ac6Bd8CeBCfDDgFEg\ IFhKGiMGjOHkRIlTJmVKmYKn_LoaMpdNqfOrhSsiOtjKukGvkC\ wl8xl4ym1zm3zn5zn6zn8zn9znBznCzoEzpFzqHzrJzsKztMzu\ NzvPzwQzxSzyTzzRzzQzzPzzOzzNzzMzzOzzPzz`zz_zzYzzXz\ zVzzUzzTzzRzzQzzOzzNzzLzz } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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Question!
by Kim Hagar 18 Apr '07

18 Apr '07

Hi, All! Sorry to be so absent, but I am in the middle of a gigantic network migration and I am overwhelmed! I DO want to know, however, how would anyone ever be able to tell if a new computer they were ordering would be able to generate fractals with Fractint to the higher resolutions? I want a new computer but not to detriment! Thanks for any suggestions! Kim --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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<Barry> Try these settings for the Fractint .PIF file in WinXP
by Hal Lane 18 Apr '07

18 Apr '07

######################################################### Barry, Try these settings (below) for the Fractint .PIF file (the new file: 'Shortcut to Fractint' that has a 'DOS' icon that is automatically created when you first try to run DOS Fractint) in WinXP. I can't guarantee that these settings will work for you. I have not had the problem that you describe -- perhaps because I have not calculated a fractal that takes long enough to have the problem happen. By the way, your: >'...after rendering the screens other than those with the image are >randomly coloured and usually hardly legible.' sounds like a problem that inserting the line: TEXTSAFE=SAVE into your SSTOOLS.INI file after the [fractint] line might possibly have fixed. See the Fractint docs for further info on SSTOOLS.INI and TEXTSAFE= Please let me know if you still have the "rude message from Windows saying that the pesky MD-DOS application was too slow responding to something and must be cancelled" after using the changes to the .PIF file I give below. - Hal Lane ######################### # hallane(a)earthlink.net # ######################### ######################################################### ============= START OF PREVIOUS POST BY HAL LANE ========== jackoftradez said: ------------------ >I simply run it [Fractint] in the XP >command shell, with the properties set to emulate Win95. >Fractals will start to generate, and quite >quickly. But after a few seconds it slows down to an unacceptable >level Thanks for the tip and the warning. I was able to hand modify the Cmd Line & Directory parameters of the Properties window of Fractint's .pif file (see below) & got Fractint running. (I had a DOS path length longer than the allowed maximum of 60 characters.) The .PIF (Program Information File) is named: Shortcut to Fractint.exe [Unfortunately my graphics adapter only supports up to 640 x 480. But I typically use Disk Video to calculate Jim Muth's images anyway, so its not a complete disaster...] I set the Idle Sensitivity in the .pif file's Properties to 'High' and Windows seemed to give more CPU time to Fractint. But with a really time consuming fractal Fractint never uses more than 50% of the Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz CPU as shown in the Task Manager -- even when I raised the priority of the task to 'Real Time' -- the highest setting. The other 50% of the CPU is allocated to the System Idle task -- in other words, the CPU does nothing 1/2 of the time. :-( The full list of changes I made to the default Properties on the various tabs of the Fractint .pif file were: - Idle Sensitivity: High - 256 colors - full screen - emulate Win98 [sic] - disable 'termination warning' - disable 'Visual themes' - disable 'allow screen saver' - disable 'background always suspend' Note: The .pif file is automatically created the first time that a DOS program is run. So, - run the DOS program in a command shell (in a 'DOS' window), Get the DOS window by typing 'cmd' (no quotes) into the: Start > Run 'Open' text box and click 'OK'. - the DOS program will probably not work, - the .pif file will be created, - modify the .pif file's Properties (Right Click on the .pif file), - run the .pif file (which will now run the DOS program correctly) ============= END OF PREVIOUS POST =================== Since you have modified your Shortcut to Fractint .PIF file from the default, I recommend that you: - Rename your current .PIF file, - Run Fractint again to create a new .PIF file with all the parms set to defaults, - Apply the list of changes (above) to the newly created .PIF file, - Run Fractint and your problem fractal, - <ctrl><alt><del> to run the Task Manager, - On the 'Processes' tab watch the percentage of the CPU time that is allocated to Fractint . I also click the column heading 'CPU' to sort all the processes using the most CPU time together at the bottom of the list of processes. If the "must be cancelled" problem still happens, you could try right clicking Fractint in the Task Manager and raising its priority some -- use: 'Set Priority'. I am able to ignore the warning WinXP gives when changing priorities without any problem. Please let me know if you still have the "rude message from Windows saying that the pesky MD-DOS application was too slow responding to something and must be cancelled" after using the changes to the .PIF file I gave above. ######################################################### > >Message: 5 >Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:42:54 +1000 >From: Barry Smith <barrys(a)grapevine.net.au> >Subject: [Fractint] Problems with XP >To: fractint(a)mailman.xmission.com >Message-ID: <46245E5E.1050505(a)grapevine.net.au> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >On 8 April 2006 I wrote: > >'I have a puzzle. I've been using Fractint since 1991 and greatly >appreciate the work of Jim Muth and Paul N Lee, as well of course the >Stone Soup team. > >'My current (my sixth) PC is a Pentium III 800E bought in December 2000 >and came with Windows 98 SE. I recently had to accept the inevitable and >upgrade to Windows 2000 -- not without hassle, ... > >'Secondly, if I render a fractal the process seems to go very slowly >unless I move the mouse, when it speeds up. I find this odd. > >'Third, after rendering the screens other than those with the image are >randomly coloured and usually hardly legible.' > >Paul N. Lee kindly replied, saying, in part: > >'You may also need to play with the various property settings that >can be set for running the application, especially on the MISC and >COMPATIBILITY tabs of the PROPERTIES, such as the IDLE SENSITIVITY.' > >I have now again had to accept the inevitable and upgrade to >Windows XP Home -- again not without hassle, including among many >things eventually having to junk my HP scanner as after 10 hours >work and consulting HP support three times I couldn't get a driver >for it. (The Canon replacement is much better.) > >I was surprised and delighted to find that I could run Fractint much as >before, despite doing a clean install and letting Windows reformat my C >drive as NTFS. I fiddled with the various property settings as Paul N. >Lee suggested. > >However /*there is a problem*./ If I render some fractals that >take a fair time, like Lee H Skinner's 6090168 (thank you for >these), then unless I move the mouse every few minutes, I get a >rude message from Windows saying that the pesky MD-DOS application >was too slow responding to something and must be cancelled. > >How can I avoid this? >-------------------- >Barry W Smith >P O Box 442, Jamison Centre ACT 2614, Australia >Tel. (Home & answering machine) (02) 6251 2119 >International +61 2 6251 2119 >e-mail: barrys(a)grapevine.net.au > >

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FOTD 13-04-07 (Alternate Critical [4])
by Jim Muth 18 Apr '07

18 Apr '07

FOTD -- April 13, 2007 (Rating 4) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: So it's the 10th anniversary of the FOTD. It's been the fastest 10 years in recorded history. Luckily, it was mentioned on the lists, for I had totally forgotten it. For the 10th anniversary we have a relatively plain fractal, which rates only a 4. This is slightly-below-average. I named the image "Alternate Critical" because its parent is the fractal that results when yesterday's formula is calculated with Z initialized to the alternate critical value of the function Z^(2.4)-Z^(2.6). A little calculation shows that the two critical points of this function are zero and 0.670176937. The MandAutoCritInZ formula automatically initializes Z to 0.670176937, so it was necessary to enter a value of negative 0.670176937 as the real(p4) parameter in order to re-initialize Z to the second critical point of zero. At the surface, the fractal that results when Z is set to zero is a virtual copy of yesterday's parent fractal, which somewhat resembles the cubic Mandelbrot set rotated 90 degrees. But it is not an exact copy. A quick examination of the surface re- veals subtle differences, which quickly become major differences as one zooms down into the fractal. Today's image shows a scene located near a larger midget on a filament at the western end of the parent. The midget at the center is a curious one indeed. Apparently, it cannot decide whether to be a quadratic midget or something else. If it is trying to be a quadratic midget, it is doing a pretty poor job of it, since the expected powers-of-two series of elements that usually surrounds quadratic midgets is nowhere to be seen. Nothing is visible around the midget but a chaotic assemblage of cut-up pieces of fractal stuff. I can see a series of 2, 5, and 12 elements, which would seem to indicate a power around 2.5 -- the average of 2.4 and 2.6. As for the quality of the image, the less said the better. This is especially true when its inordinate calculation time is considered. I do not know how long the image would have taken on the fractal workhorse machine, a P200, but it took 16 minutes on the P4-2000. I will send it on ahead to Paul at the FOTD web site so that it will be posted ready for viewing as soon as this discussion appears. The FOTD web site may be accessed at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> I'm out of time right now, but I'll explain the workings of all the MandelbrotMix formulas in tomorrow's discussion. Heavy clouds, showers of rain, and a chilly temperature of 48F 9C kept a damper on things here at Fractal Central on Thursday. The fractal cats' spirits were not dampened however. They managed to pull a stack of newspapers from the shelf and rip them to shreds all over the living room floor. After the mess they made, they hardly deserved their evening treat of tuna and cheddar cheese. My day was average, and as far as I can see, the days will remain average indefinitely. The next FOTD will appear in 24 hours. Until next time, take care, and where did all the numbers go? Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= Alternate_Critical { ; time=0:16:08.61-SF5 on P4-2000 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandAutoCritInZ function=ident passes=t center-mag=-2.11102026345568200/+0.278394631139739\ 60/7.97647e+009/1/-125/0.000234075480398991675 params=1/2.4/-1/2.6/0/0/-0.670176937/0 float=y maxiter=50000 inside=0 periodicity=10 colors=0006KDALHELLILOMMSQMWROcSN`TMZULXVLVWKTXJQY\ IOZIM_HK`GIaFFbFDcEBVD9_C7e82mC5uF7wJ9zMBhPDiTFjWH\ kZJlbLleNmhPnlRooTvuTrsUorVlqWipXfnYcmZ`l_Yk`VjaSh\ bPgcMfdJeeGdeFcfFbfFbfEagEagE`gE`hD_hDZhDZiCYiCYiC\ XjCXjBWjBWkBVkAUkAUlATlATl9Sm9Sm9Rm9Rm8Qn8Pn8Pn7Oo\ 7Oo7No7Np6Mp6Lp6Lq5Kq5Kq5Jr5Jr4Ir4Is4Hs3Gs3Gt3Ft3F\ t2Eu2Eu2Du1Cv2Du2Eu2Fu3Ft3Gt3Ht4Kz4Uz4cz5mz5hs5cr5\ Zr6Ur6Pr6Oq7Oq7Pq7Qq8Qp8Rp8Sp9Sp9To9Uo9UoAVoAWnAXn\ BXnBYnBZmCZmC_mC`mD`lDalDbl3kfDblNVrYMyXNwXNvWNuWN\ tWOsVOrVOqVOpUPoUPnUPmTPlTQkTQiSQhSQgSRfRReRRdRRcQ\ SbQSaPS`PS_PTZOTYOTWOTVNUUNUTNUSMURMVQMVPLVOLVNLWM\ KWLKWKKWJLWJMVKNVKOULPULQTMRTMRSNSSNTROUROVQPWQPXQ\ PYPQYPQZOR_ORziSzcSbMTcMTdLUdLUeKVfKVgKVhJWiJWzIXz\ UXkHYlHYmGZnGZoF_pF_qE`rE`uDbsEarE`qE`pE_nEZmEZlEY\ kEXjEXhEWgEVfEVeEUdETbETaES`ER_ERZEQXEPWEPVFOUFOSF\ NRFMQFMPFLOFKJQHIPIGNJFMK } frm:MandAutoCritInZ {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(((-a*b*g*h)^j)+(p4)), k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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