DepthGauge is an INIT/cdev that puts a number on your menubar representing the current bits-per-pixel setting of your main video device. DepthGauge requires the presence of Color QuickDraw and System 6.0.5 or later.
This release also includes a popup menu (DepthMenu) that lets you switch the pixel depth of your main screen without going to the "Monitors" control panel. Please note that the DepthMenu does NOT change the default mode set for your video card; when you reboot the depth will be reset to whatever mode was set via the "Monitors" cdev in the control panel.
DepthGauge will work just fine on an SE/30, but there isn't much use for it if you don't have an external color monitor…
ΓÇóbits-per-pixel / Colors tableΓÇó
1 bit = Black & White
2 bits = 4 colors
4 bits = 16 colors
8 bits = 256 colors
15 bits = 32767 colors (Macintosh LC!)
16 bits = 65535 of colors
32 bits = Millions of colors
ΓÇóLocation SetupΓÇó
You can choose which corner of the Menubar the number will appear in by clicking on the appropriate radio button in the cdev.
ΓÇóKeys SetupΓÇó
Sets which keys need to be pressed to pop up the DepthMenu when you click the mouse in the menubar.
ΓÇóColor SetupΓÇó
Select the color the number is drawn in from the Color pop-up menu. Black is black. 'mctb' is used for colorized menus (as created by the Kolor cdev from Apple, for example). Custom brings up the standard Color Picker and lets you choose what color you want the number to be drawn in.
ΓÇóLegal and Other InfoΓÇó
DepthGauge was originally conceived by Daniel A. Segel and implemented by Thomas A. Johnson as an INIT. Both of us have subsequently worked on this project and contributed various portions.
Although DepthGauge is free, it is copyrighted and not in the public domain. Tom and I don't really expect anyone to pay us money for this, so you can do pretty much what you want with this version (V2.0.1ß) as long as you keep in mind the following rules:
1) You may not sell DepthGauge or in any way make any money from it.
2) You may not distribute modified copies of DepthGauge.
3) Tom and I reserve the right to change our mind about these rules on later versions.
DepthGauge was written almost exclusively using THINK C V4.0.2.
If you have any comments, I can be reached through GEnie at D.SEGEL and Tom is currently available at Internet address tj@cs.ucla.edu (add "@internet#" after ".edu" for AppleLink access).
Daniel A. Segel
Los Angeles, 11/11/90.
ΓÇóChange HistoryΓÇó
V1.0.1 (10/25/90) first official release. All features work and it doesn't crash.
V1.0.2 (10/29/90) startup ICON arrow indicates the current pixel-depth of the main device.
V2.0.1ß (11/11/90) includes DepthMenu to let you switch pixel depth at any time.