Frequently Asked Questions

I have a function and want to compute its level set. How do I get my function added to the list of models that Pisces knows about?

You will have to write a C file containing the definition of your function, and then compile this model into Pisces. This process is explained in the documentation section on installing a new model into Pisces.
I'm not comfortable programming in C. Can't I just type my function into a parser?

Pisces does not yet have a parser. However, you do not have to be fluent in C in order to install a new model! We provide templates for you and complete line-by-line instructions.
I've computed a curve and can see it in the view window. But when I use the postscript panel to print the curve, it looks smaller (or larger) than it looks in the view window. Why?

The postscript panel uses the current bounding box to determine in what region to plot the level curve. The view window, on the other hand, has its own independent box, called the viewport. To insure that the level curve displayed by the postscript panel is the same as that in the view window, try choosing the option Actions->Viewport->BBox from the menu-bar on the view window.
How can I use the postscript panel to print directly to a printer?

This option is not currently available.
I used the Animation Panel to animate a family of functions, but only got one level set. Why?

If your parameter ranges between two integer values (say, from 0 to 1), then you need to explicitly use decimal points (say, 0.0 and 1.0) in order to prevent Pisces from using integer division instead of floating point division.
Are there any "keyboard shortcuts" to Pisces? That is, can I open panels or clear data without using the mouse?

Not at the present time.

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Comments to: pisces@geom.umn.edu
Last modified: Mon Nov 27 08:43:52 1995
Copyright © 1995 by The Geometry Center, all rights reserved.