Tracking Multiple Timed Events in Lotus 1-2-3

As an extension of the above tip, here's another spreadsheet that will let you log the start and end times of a series of timed events (such as laps in a track meet).

1. Start with a blank worksheet and set aside Column A for a short description of a series of events.

2. Format Columns B and C (from row 2 through 21) as MENU Range Format Date Time 1 and use the command MENU Worksheet, Column, Column-range, Set-width, B1..C1, 13.

3. Format Column D (rows 2 through 21) as MENU Range Format Date Time 3 and use the command MENU, Worksheet, Column, Set-width, 10.

4. In cell D2, key in the formula +C2-B2 and then use the command MENU, Copy, D2..D2, D2..D21 (or as far down the column as needed.)

5. Label the columns by keying in the following labels in cells A1 through D1: 'Description 'Start 'End 'Difference

6. In cell F1, key in the macro, '@now~{EDIT}{CALC}~ and use the command MENU, Range, Name, Create, \S, F1..F1 to name the macro ALT+S.

7. Save the worksheet with the filename LAPS.WK1 in your Lotus directory.

8. To use the worksheet, key in descriptions for each timed event (e.g. the names of several runners in a marathon.) Position the cursor in cell B2. When the race starts, press ALT+S. This will show the time in cell B2. If every runner starts at the same time, use the command MENU, Copy, B2..B2, B2..B21 (or as far down the column as is needed.) Otherwise, move the cursor to the appropriate cell in column B and press ALT+S when the runner starts. When the end of the race is near you'll have to be extremely quick to position the cursor in the appropriate row in column C and press ALT+S. This will put the End Time in column C and the time difference in column D.