[Update][31/12/2009] MortgageCALC 1.6

[gm_fisher]

MortgageCALC
Version 1.6.004
by Greg Fisher
DOWNLOAD (http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/MortgageCALC_1.6.004.CAB?attredirects=0&d=1)

Info

A free loan calculator.

Using MortgageCALC on your Windows Mobile Smartphone or PocketPC you can quickly establish the affordability of major asset purchases.

http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/MortgageCALC1.JPG http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/MortgageCALC2.JPG

MortgageCALC has many options to tailor calculations, such as:
Interest compounding periods options of Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Half Yearly and Annual,
Repayment frequency option of Monthly, Weekly, Fortnightly, Semi-Monthly, Quarterly, Half Yearly and Annually,
Interest only calculations,
Amortization calculations,
Graphing of amortization calculations, and
Loan comparisons.

http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/Line%20Graph.JPG http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/Pie%20Graph.JPG http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/Bar%20Graph.JPG
Touch and swipe screen to switch graph type and details of loan comparisons.

MortgageCALC is also screen orientation aware for landscape and portrait modes.

Requirements
- Windows Standard or Windows Professional [Mobile 5 or 6]
- Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 or above

Installation
- Copy/download MortgageCALC.CAB file to your device, click on cab file using 'File Explorer' on device to install.

Aim of Project : To produce the "perfect" principal & interest loan calculator for Windows Mobile Devices.

This freeware release of MortgageCALC is for personal and private use only.

The author of this program can be contacted via xda-development.com (private message or comment on MortgageCALC thread).

10 January 2008 1.5.002 Update : Program modification made to try and fix Blackjack II keyboard issue.

11 January 2008 1.5.003 Update : Optimization of code following confirmation of working fix for Blackjack II keyboard issue.

15 December 2009 1.6.001 Update : Major rewrite - faster amortisations, new improved keyboard control.

http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/Keypad.JPG
Configure keyboard for numeric input.

29 December 2009 1.6.002 Minor bugfix (zero input for term) and reduction in screen flicker with list and graph functions.

31 December 2009 1.6.003 Added support for Swype keyboard.

31 December 2009 1.6.004 Bug fix - error in transaction listing fixed - Thanks Chuck.

DOWNLOAD (http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/Home/MortgageCALC_1.6.004.CAB?attredirects=0&d=1)

gm_fisher
HTC Diamond, HTC Touch, i-mate SP5
OS: WM6 , WM5

[wanwarlock]

will try this out. thinking of getting a house here across the tasman...

[mphayvanh]

Thank you. I've been using it for years!

[desolateone]

Bloody awesome. :D:D:D

[gm_fisher]

This version of MortgageCALC is an update which has an “improved’ user interface. I increased the size of the “Touch” areas for controls, and added ability to swipe on graph control to change from one graph to the next. I also included “swipeability“ to the list box for the amortisation listing.

In writing the program I have tried to make one version of the program which will install across as many Windows Mobile platforms as possible (ie smart phone and touch screen type devices, in all screen configurations.)

I have found that not all Windows Mobile devices are created equal, with inconsistency in hardware keyboards being an issue in achieving a “Universal” version of the program.

MortgageCALC should work on all Touch Screen (Professional) devices, with the Microsoft NETcf2 framework, and has been tested on Imate SP5 Smartphone style layouts. BlackJack devices may have a problem. The original Blackjack had an unusual keyboard layout, current version (the Blackjack II) is more conventional in its layout, however I don’t have one to test on, so I would be interested in feedback.

The original version of MortgageCALC, written some years ago, was coded in eVB. This version uses the NETcf2 framework.

The original version also had many more features that this release. Some of these feature required many updates each time a new OS’s was released by Microsoft, and many hardware compatibility issues. (ie.. never worked on Smartphones) This version of MortgageCALC is a very much simplified program, whilst still being able to do fairly comprehensive loan calculations.

Greg

[SciFer]

Hi Greg,

Just would like to start by saying thanks for such a great product.

I would like some advise or direction with programing/tables. Is there a forum or a discussion somewhere about how to work or program these to better work with USA financing? I would like to figure how to create a script where it where auto-calc mortgage insurance, property taxes, home owners insurance (Impounds = yes or no). I would like the ability to manually edit the default factors if I wanted. I would like the ability to choose FHA (which adds an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium to the base loan amount) or Conventional (which doesn't). The "UFMIP" and monthly mortgage insurance can vary based on risk based criteria. My other question: is this programing available on the Windows Mobile version or should I attempt this on the older version?

Thanks in advance,

Luis

[gm_fisher]

Luis,

The original version of MortgageCAL, which was written in eVB (embedded Visual Basic) had the feature of programmable 'Calculation Tables'.

The user of the original program can input formulas for local government charges, stamp duties, or any other cost, and the program would then calculate these costs automatically when working out loan costs.

The formulas are in a standard JScript syntax. Any reference on JScript formulas would give you an idea on what type of calculations are possible, and there are a number of example calculation tables included in the program download.

With the final release of the original MortgageCALC I was getting very frustrated with the continual changes to the code required each time Microsoft released a new CE version. The program accesses an undocumented interrupt address in the OS to enable JScript to run in a "Shell". The final version of MortgageCALC was written with a detection routine, in anticipation of Microsoft changing the address in future OS releases. This has enabled the program to continue to work on Windows Professional 6.0, however it does not work on Windows Standard 6.

I have not included calculation Tables in the re-written version of MortgageCALC (most recent release is version 1.4).

There are a few of reasons for this:
1. The new version is designed to be a much simplified program to the original. Aiming to be more user friendly.
2. The calculation table function had to be coded differently for different Pocket PC versions.
3. The time required,
4. The lack of access to the many different PPCs for testing.

I have written some code to test the possibility of inclusion of the Calculation Tables feature in a future release of the "new" MortgageCALC, however have not released a version with this feature yet due to the amount of programming time required to get it to the standard achieved with the original program. (Time is a issue with my other [paid] work commitments).

Anyway.... I plan to update the present release in about a week or so, with some minor user interface improvements, (But no Calculation Tables).

PS.. I anticipate that my Web Site will be taken down by my service provider in the next month or so.. I have had the site for a number of years, however a recent change in my ISP's billing arrangements means that once the present billing cycle expires I will not be continuing to use them. I have always paid them in advance, so have approx a month up my sleeve before the site is taken down.

I have yet to decide which ISP will get me as future customer. I will post the details on this site when the time comes.

[SciFer]

Thanks for your feed back and much appreciated time you have put into this project. I currently have a Touch phone with WM6 and the older version works for now. I'll install the newer one as well as they shouldn't have any conflict with you each other, right? I will look forward to the new version, especially the one that will included tables. I realize this maybe a long time coming but most of us are faithful fans/users of program.
Thanks for heads us up on your site, we'll look forward to you see up again. By the way, I noticed you don't have a "donate" button on your site. I, for one, have really benefitted from your program and would like to donate some cash. I believe others feel the same way. Let's us know how we may support you in return.

Thanks again for the work you have done,

Luis

[pkngo]

First off - it's an awesome calculator. It has a very clean interface and very professional looking! I do have a problem with the latest version (v1.5) and was hoping you can help. I can't seem to enter more than one digit in any of the fields. I'm using this on a Samsung Blackjack II with Windows Mobile 6.1. Do you know of why that would be?

[SciFer]

First off - it's an awesome calculator. It has a very clean interface and very professional looking! I do have a problem with the latest version (v1.5) and was hoping you can help. I can't seem to enter more than one digit in any of the fields. I'm using this on a Samsung Blackjack II with Windows Mobile 6.1. Do you know of why that would be?


I personally don't. The only I can think of is that it doesn't like your keyboard or input method. Try selecting another method. Good luck.

[gm_fisher]

pkngo

Try changing the keyboard input by selecting Menu>Option>Setup>Menu>NumPad

Key a string of characters to represent the keyboard numpad layout on your device.

For example : 0ERTDFGXCV.
To represent: 0123456789.

Don't forget the keyboard entry for ".", which represents the decimal symbol key, to end the string.

Let us know how it goes.

[mkuether]

I also have the issue of only one digit entry on a Blackjack II. I also notice after typing the digit, the battery indicator in the right hand corner goes away and the digits "12#" come up. After moving to another cell, the battery indicator comes back.

I tried to change the NumPad layout per your instructions, but when I get into that screen, I can't change anything except the two options under the menu selection - "0ERTDFGXCV." and "0123456789." Same issue with the "12#" coming up.

This give you any ideas? I'd love to be able to use this program...

Thanks,
Mark

[gm_fisher]

mkuether

Thanks for the info. Without feedback I (and other developers) can't fix issues with their projects across the various Mobile Platforms.

Your advice I think has helped me identify the issue.

The "#12" symbol appears on the screen as the text box in MortgageCALC is switched to take numeric only input. On most devices this is the right thing. On the Blackjack it appears to cause problems.

If you can advise the corresponding Alfa Keys for Numpad layout for the Blackjack II, I will release an amended beta version of MortgageCALC for the Blackjack, with a new option to turn off Numpad Alfa/Numeric switching.

For example : e = 1 ?, r = 2 ? etc...

Thanks

[mkuether]

e=1
r=2
t=3
d=4
f=5
g=6
x=7
c=8
v=9
?=0
.=.

All are accessed using the Function key if e.g. I am writing a text message with the exception of the "." button.

Looking forward to a version where I don't have to amortize $9 over 5 years at 8% ;-)

[gm_fisher]

mkuether

I have posted a update of MortgageCALC to 1.5.002 which I hope will fix the issue with the Blackjack II.

After installing Menu>Options>Setup>Menu>NumPad>Menu>?ERTDFGXCV. should fix issue on Blackjack.:o

You may have to exit MortgageCALC and stop program from running (see Task Manager?), then relaunch, to get change in MortgageCALC keyboard to be recognized properly. If you can advise if keyboard fix works I will release another update to fix the issue of having stop and relaunch program. (Restarting may or may not be a required?)

See POST 1 for new cab file.

[mkuether]

Worked perfectly! I removed the program, then reinstalled using the new CAB file with no issues. I now have the ability to amortize at will...consider the Blackjack II issue put to bed.

Any other updates planned? I would love an amortization calc that would also spit out a balloon payment of principal at the designated time...saves time scrolling down to the month required.

[Solidus_k]

Thanks for this app very useful.

[gm_fisher]

Great to hear that it's now fixed.

Sometime its hard to get it right when you think your have fixed a problem, and there is no feedback on the offered solution.

I think everyone here at Xda benefits from feedback.

In regards to "balloon payments", MortgageCALC already has a method to calculate a balloon payment at a given period over full loan term.

1. First calculate loan over full term,
2. Change loan term to the shorter term required.
3. Select amortize.

MortgageCALC will then calculate loan over the shorter term, with a balloon payment.

If you amortize both the full term and the short term loan (with the same periodic loan payments) you can see a comparison of the two loans by scrolling the graph screen. The final balloon payment is shown on the amortize listing screen.

Whilst I've have considered an option to put in a fixed monetary amount for a balloon payment, option's inclusion in the program is unlikely due to the increased complexity it would add to the user interface.

I will be releasing an update of MortageCALC in the near future, however it will only be a minor update incorporating a refinement of the coding for the Blackjack fix.

Anyway, thanks again

[gm_fisher]

Update 1.5.003 posted - Only change to program is the optimization of the keyboard code to fix Blackjack keyboard issue reported above.:rolleyes:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2453367#post2453367

[borodeva]

Thx for the Blackjack II fix, Greg!

Great app! Very helpful and easy to use.

Two thumbs up! :) :)

[Rome890]

Hello. Thank you for the application. I wanted to know if there was a way to calculate interest only for 2 years for a 30 year loan. I noticed you can apply interest only, but don't know if I'm able to limit it to a specified number of months.

Thank you again for a wonderful product!:)

[gm_fisher]

MortgageCALC can do interest only calculation for any term ( and will graph up to 50 years.)

After Calculation an "average" interest only payment calculation (with payment frequency drop down set to interest only and term set to 2 years), press 'amotise' to calculate total interest charges for term of 2 years.

Once you have done the above calculation, amend the term to 28 year, and repayment frequency to say monthly. Press 'pmt' to calculate payment. Then amortise loan to calculate total costs etc.

Both the interest only loan, with total interest costs, and the P & I loan with its total costs then can be examine on the graph screen. Scroll Graphs (by swiping screen, or by using the scroll control on keyboad) for different graphs (Bar, Pie, Line)

Note down and add costs for total cost of loan over 30 year term.

Hope this is helpful.

[holy1661]

Hi.

This app seems to work GREAT on my MotoQ smartphone. Thanks a whole lot!

[nwhlranger]

Thank you so much for sharing your calculator. I have been in mortgage banking for 6 years - and this is the best smartphone calculator I have ever seen. Keep up the great work!

[gm_fisher]

I have just uploaded new version of MortgageCALC.

New version does not add many new features, however is a major re-write, and I believe a much improved program.

see :
First page of thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2453367#post2453367)
or
My WindowsMobileSoftwareProject (http://sites.google.com/site/windowsmobilesoftwareproject/)

Enjoy :)

[gm_fisher]

MortgageCALC now update to version 1.6.003.
Added support for 'Swype' keyboard, and improved 'rounding' calculations.

[qanda6900]

Can't see the type very well. The color is too light!

The keyboard does not open all the time when you click on a box.
Earlier version worked. :confused:

[gm_fisher]

qanda6900

Issue 1: Colors
I’m not sure I understand the issue with light colors. The colors used by MortgageCALC are based upon the current Windows Mobile theme colors installed on your device. Whilst there was some tweeking of color assignments in the current update of MortgageCALC, mainly on the graph and transaction listing screens, the handling of colors has not significantly changed from the way colors were handled in earlier versions of MortgageCALC.

Have you recently changed your color scheme?
What part of the program is the type too light?
What text? (All text?)
What color scheme are you using?
Do you know the version of MortgageCALC you last had installed? (1.5.003 ?)

Issue 2: SIP
The SIP in MortgageCALC should automatically open when a text box is selected (touch screen "mouse down" event) for input on the calculator screen, and hide when no text box has the focus. The auto display of the SIP control is overridden by the user if the user presses the SIP button, located at the middle of the bottom screen bar, to hide the SIP when a text box has focus. The SIP will not display if the screen is navigated using a hardware button or hardware keyboard for navigation.

To switch auto display of SIP back on select a text box, and press the SIP button on the bottom bars. Auto display of SIP should now be reactivated.

Can you let me know if the above info was useful, or if you can expand on issues? Thanks.

(PS: what SIP are you using?)

[Deadwood]

Thanks, it's a great app.

[Crwfds]

Thank you Greg, I have been using this for years and thought I would not be able to continue as I switched to a smartphone, and low and behold you posted this! THANK YOU!

[maxdaddy]

I had MortgageCalc installed on my Tilt 1, but when I try to install on my Tilt 2, i get a "scripting not installed" error. I dont see that anyone else has had the same issue.
Any suggestion?