ARGUS 4
Program description
New in version 4
Argus 4, which appeared by march 2005 is a completely revised upgrade of the earlier version 3.1. The major differences are:
- The output is editable with cut, copy and paste.
- The output can mix text and graphics (chartwheels ) in the same window.
- Printing is now done the standard windows way.
- A completely new user interface combines data-input, birthdata collections and program commands.
- A unique interactive live-chartwheel with animated progressions, transits etc.
- Ultra precise Swiss Ephemeris gives you seconds of arc precision over the time span from 3000 BC-3000 AD
- Desktop-style command panel with clickable and user definable function icons.
- User expandable gazetteer.
- Tabbed birthdata pane, where you can have several birthdata collections open simultaneously.
- Birthdata can be cut, copied and pasted between the collections.
- Backup your data to disk or email.
- User definable orb limit sets for each chart type.
Minimum hardware reqirements:
- 100 Mhz Pentium
- Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista
- 64 Mb RAM
- 20 Mb harddisk space
- 1024x768 screen resolution(XGA)
Even if the program does run on this minimum configuration, especially the live-chart will suffer from lack of speed and move in jerks. Ideally you should have a CPU speed of 1.5 GHz or more. If the screen is less than XGA, some of the live-charts buttons and tickboxes will be out of reach.
Calculations:
As you will see from the following, the program has a lot of user options. Don't worry, you do not need to be an expert. Just run the default setting which will cover most standard needs.
- Radix
- Progressed, also tertiary, minor and converse progressions with options for the house movement (Naibod, Solar arc, true, none etc).
- Solar/Lunar returns with optional tropical or sidereal return technology.
- Transits direct or converse
- Composite traditional or Robert Hand method.
- Relationship chart using either long/lat midpoints or true great circle division.
- Aspects showing actual orb, applying/separating and orbspeed
- Orbset: Individually definable sets of oblimits for each chart type.
- Synastry Chart comparison and cross-aspects.
- Midpoints sorted or in natural order
- Midpoint trees in differnen sorts
- Harmonics, also negative or fractional.
- Sidereal positions with user definablé ayanamsha
Graphics:
- Single chartwheel, four different designs to choose from, as well as options for aspect lines, colors, orientation, symbol size, positions etc.
- Double chartwheel with aspects between the two charts
- Houseless wheel.
- Graphically representation of transits (month or year) and progressions (5 or 60 years).
- Aspect grid
Database:
- 125000 cities worldwide with timezone and daylight saving time tables. When you choose a city from the list, the timezone is added automatically and will adapt if you change date/time.
- Database for your birthdata collections with search and sort. You can easily have several databases open simultaneously, they have a tab each, letting you switch them in and out with a single click.
Program functions:
You start the different chart calculations, charthwheels, or any add-on interpretations by clicking icons on the program function panel in much the same way as the Windows desktop. The icons are user definable, they can be inserted, replaced and moved around and assigned to existing or to new functions, you create.
Macros:
You can type in program commands and create loops, so that complex output jobs can be automated. Your macros can be saved for reuse and assigned to icons.
Interpretations:
Interpretations are not integrated in the basic program, but can be added and integrated as optional extras.
DIY interpretations and add-ons
The XLI Script language, which is an integrated part of Argus lets you write your own interpretations and program expansions. A separate programming manual is downloadable from our download page.
Trial version and license options
Argus 4 has a registration window, where you type in your license info (registration data). The free download default registration limits the radix calculations to 2005. For a full-feature tryout, just contact us for a free trial license, which will let you run the program for 4 weeks. If you decide for purchasing the program, you will get a full license, which you just type in replacing the trial one.
The basic Argus program output can be used freely for publishing. Certain interpretation add-ons may have special conditions.