Unit Preferences

Setting Unit Preferences

The units preferred by the user can be set in the Unit Preferences window. The units specified in the Unit Preferences window are selected by default as the first choice in any unit selection boxes. This keeps the user from having to continually select their preferred unit, though any of the units available can still be selected from the list.

To set a new default unit, choose the unit type from the list on the left, then select the preferred default unit from the list on the right. The click the Set As Preferred Unit button. The selected unit will then become the new default unit in any units list box.

You can also customize the units used by SteamCalc. For each parameter, SteamCalc can use many different units. However, if only a few are ever typically used, then the others can be removed. This will decrease the number of items in the unit selections boxes, making it easier to choose the one desired. If a preferred unit is removed from those available to SteamCalc, a new one will have to be chosen before leaving this area. You also must have one set of units available for each parameter.

To customize the units, first choose the parameter to modify on the list on the left. Then, among the unit types on the right, check or uncheck the boxes for the units you want or do not want to see.

You can select or unselect all displayed units by clicking the appropriate button. Also, English and SI units can be selected as a group for parameters by clicking the appropriate button.

Setting Default Unit Preferences

Users can customize the unit preferences, and reset the default so the custom preferences are in place any time SteamCalc starts up. To do this, set the unit preferences to the desired configuration, then click the Set as Default button. The SteamCalc default preferences can be reinstated by clicking the SteamCalc default button. The user defaults can be reapplied by clicking the User Default button.

Saving Unit Preference Configurations

Any unit configuration can be saved to a file, and recalled at any time. This allows users to set up multiple preference configurations (such as all English units and all SI units) without having to manually reconfigure the units. To save a configuration click the Save Preferences button.

Recalling Unit Preference Configurations

Any unit configuration that has been saved to a file can be recalled at any time by clicking the Load Preferences button, and browsing to the desired configuration file.

Changing Units in the Output

The property units displayed in the output grid can be changed. To change the displayed units, double-click any cell in the row or column corresponding to the property whose units are to be changed. This will open the Change Units window. Select the desired units from the list of available units, and click the Ok button. The displayed property value will then be displayed in the new units.

Setting Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure value used for atmospheric pressure can be customized in SteamCalc by selecting the Other tab on the Unit Preferences window, and entering the desired atmospheric pressure and units in the box.