Q & A

HEAT, AIR & MOISTURE TOOLBOX

Author Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When I load the software the first screen appears too large for my screen.  Why does this occur? How do I fix it?

 The H.A.M. Toolbox is designed to fit five screen resolutions.  These include 640X480, 800X600, 1024X768, 1280X1024 and 1600X1200.  On occasion a Windows System may be set to an odd resolution that will cause the enlarged screen.  To correct this property you may change the font settings to normal or use the Alt F7 and Alt F8 keys to reduce or enlarge the H.A.M. Toolbox screens.  These keys may only be used on the opening screen.  It will not function on any of the other screens but it will adjust all screens at the same time.

2.  When I loaded the software on to my computer a prompt indicated that my computer a newer file than the one being loaded from the software.  Should I replace the newer file or keep it?

 Always keep the newer file

3. When I loaded the H.A.M. Toolbox I noticed that the screen was in a strange colour combination.  Are there other colour combinations that may be used on the H.A.M. Toolbox?

Generally, the colour schemes used with the H.A.M. Toolbox will appear in the intended format.  However, with Windows XP in particular, several formats may be available.  To see the original intended colour presentation, select the normal and/or standard colour properties.  To do so click “Control Panel” to reveal the control panel icons.  Select display and choose the appearance tabs on the display properties.  In the windows and buttons combo box below select “Windows Classic Style”.  In the colour scheme combo box below select “Windows standard”.  This will return your computer to traditional Windows presentation and colour format.

4. I loaded the software but the analysis values seam incorrect?

The software uses the period as the decimal point.  If you are using the French Windows Operating System it may be using the comma as the decimal point.  The software is not yet designed for International use.  To correct, change your operating system parameter use the period (.) as the decimal point.

5. Why can't I input a new generic material?

The H.A.M Toolbox allows the user to modify the material properties or to associate a manufacturer’s data with any of the materials listed.  However, it does not allow the input of a new generic material because each new generic material must have a drawing symbol associated with it for display on the graph.  We apologize for this limitation. But if you forward your suggestions for new materials to our Email site, we will make sure to include it in one of our next H.A.M. Toolbox revisions which are free.

6. What database does the program use for weather data? Is it ASHRAE and how

current is it?

The HAM Program used weather data from both the most current National

Building Code of Canada and the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook 1997. The

weather data is generally a summary of about thirty (30) years of records for

each location used to derive various design values. We use the 1.0% design data

for both summer and winter design temperatures. The relative humidity data is

obtained from air conditioning loads for the summer and from mean dewpoint

temperatures in winter where available. If a winter design temperature is

below -10oC, we assume 80% outdoor RH for those locations. This is most

reasonable as winter outdoor air is almost always near saturation.

7. When using insulation between metal studs for exterior walls, does the

program de-rate the insulation due to bridging?

The program does not de-rate insulation. To de-rate an assembly you must

undertake a parallel heat flow (PHFA) analysis. This is quite simple. 1st, you

determine the "R" value for a wall through the cavity. 2nd, you determine the

"R" value of the wall through the stud (replace cavity insulation with wood or

steel stud). Then you add the "R" values in proportion to their respective wall

areas.

For example, a wall system "R" value at the wall cavity measures RSI-5. The

cavity areas occupy 92% of the wall. The wall system "R" value measures RSI-2

at the steel stud section. It occupies 8% of the wall. The de-rated "R" value is

then computed as follows: 5 x 0.92 + 2 x 0.8 = RSI-4.76. This is a most

reasonable way of de-rating a wall system for the inherent thermal bridges

(studs).

8. Is the cost of the software for one seat or is it a network version?

The software is $840 Canadian or US Dollars and for up to two computers. 

Additional copies are priced at $185 Canadian or US Dollars.

9. Is there a demo version available?

There is no demo version, but the product is offered with an unconditional 30-

day guarantee.