wgrib v1.4			3/96

The program wgrib was compiled for the PC using the gcc compiler.  While the 
compiler is of high quality, it runs under MS-DOS.  To avoid memory 
limitations, gcc and its compiled programs will only run with 386 or higher 
cpus.  It prefers a math coprocessor but a 387 emulator can be used (one is 
provided).  Programs compiled with gcc should not be run under windows, and 
that includes a DOS window. (Update: the gcc-compiled version appears to work 
under Windows 95.)


If you need to install the math-coprocessor emulator, try
	C:\> mkdir c:\djgpp
	C:\> copy emu387 c:\djgpp\emu387
        (EMU387 can be found in the directory with WGRIB.EXE)


			Checklist


(1) 386+ CPU?
(2) extended memory?
(3) No math coprocessor? Did you install supplied emulator?
    (copy EMU387 to C:\DJGPP\EMU387)
(4) WINDOWS is not RUNNING? Right?



The MS-DOS version of wgrib (WGRIB.EXE) should run like the UNIX, and Amiga 
versions.  The GCC version even supports UNIX wildcards.  The only 
difference is that the binary-file format will be little-endian IEEE
rather than the more common big-endian IEEE.
 
 
Any more questions?  Well I doubt that I have any answers. The program wgrib 
was the first program that I ever compiled on a PC.  It works on my PC, and 
the PC of an office mate (aka guinea pig).  The pc in my office is 
maintained by a PC-guru and I don't own a pc at home.  I suggest you get 
the faq on the gcc compiler for the pc (available on internet and the 
SimTel CD).  If you have problems with memory, there are books that are 
over 1 inch thick about memory on the PC.  Want to learn how to program the 
mouse? That book is only 1/2 inch thick.  
 
 
 
Questions:
 
(1) Why doesn't wgrib run under WINDOWS 3.1?
    GCC executables use a DOS extender which is not compatible with WINDOWS.
 
(2) Why not use the XYZ v3.14.16 compiler which is compatible with WINDOWS.
    The GCC compiler is free.  XYZ costs $$.
 
(3) How about 286 and 8088 users?
    No plans for 80286 or 8088 version.  Too slow to be practical.
 
(4) How come when I type wgrib with no options, I get the message:

	wgrib Wesley Ebisuzaki Version 1.3.2
	Portable Grib decoder for NMC Reanalysis
	   it slices, dices

         usage: c:/dos/wgrib.exe [grib file] [options]

    I stored WGRIB.EXE in C:\DOS\WGRIB.EXE not c:/dos/wgrib.exe!

    wgrib was compiled with GCC which is a unix compiler. To make C programs 
    compatible with UNIX, the back slashes were converted to slashes 
    automatically.  This also occurs with pc-grads.