 FORESIGHT SOFTWARE Communications (Windows 95 and Windows NT Only)  Help Index

How To ...

Transfer Data to a Data Recorder

Down Load Data from a Data Recorder

Commands

File menu

Settings

Transfer

Help menu

About

Topcon GTS6


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

New	Creates a new document.
Open	Opens an existing document.
Close	Closes an opened document.
Save	Saves an opened document using the same file name.
Save As	Saves an opened document to a specified file name.
Exit	Exits comms32.


Settings menu commands

The Edit menu offers the following commands:

Communications In	Dialog Box for Input Data Communication Parameters.
Communications Out	Dialog Box for Output Data Communications Parameters.


Transfer menu commands

The Transfer menu offers the following commands:

Transfer to the Computer	Get Data from the Data Recorder.
Transfer to the Data Recorder	Put Data to the Data Recorder.


Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Help Topics	Offers you an index to topics on which you can get help.
About	Displays the version number of this application.


File New command
New command (File menu)

Use this command to create a new document in <<YourApp>>.  Select the type of new file you want to create in the File New dialog box.  << Remove previous sentence if your application supports only one document type. >>

You can open an existing document with the Open command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+N


File New dialog box

<< Delete this help topic if your application supports only one document type. >>

Specify the type of document you wish to create:

<< List your application's document types here >>


File Open command
Open command (File menu)

Use this command to open the file you wish to be down loaded to your data recorder. This allows you to view the file before calling the Transfer to Data Recorder Option..

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+O


File Open dialog box

The following options allow you to specify which file to open:

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open.  This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

List Files of Type

Select the type of file you want to open:

Drives

Select the drive where your data file resides.

Directories

Select the directory where your data file resides.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.


File Close command
Close command (File menu)

Use this command to close all windows containing the active document.  <<YourApp>> suggests that you save changes to your document before you close it.  If you close a document without saving, you lose all changes made since the last time you saved it.  Before closing an untitled document, <<YourApp>> displays the Save As dialog box and suggests that you name and save the document.

You can also close a document by using the Close icon on the document's window, as shown below:


File Save command
Save command (File menu)

Use this command to save the active document to its current name and directory.  When you save a document for the first time,  Comms32 displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.  If you want to change the name and directory of an existing document before you save it, choose the Save As command.

You must save the document are down loading data from your data recorder. Of course if there was a problem in downloading; don’t save it.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+S


File Save As command
Save As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and name the active document ; which you have uploaded from your data recorder. Comms32 displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.

To save a document with its existing name and directory, use the Save command.


File Save As dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the name and location of the file you're about to save:

File Name

Type a new filename to save a document with a different name.  A filename can contain up to eight characters and an extension of up to three characters.  Comms32 adds the extension you specify in the Save File As Type box.

Drives

Select the drive in which you want to store the document.

Directories

Select the directory in which you want to store the document.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.

<< Add other File Save As dialog box options depending on which ones your application chooses via the OFN_ flags of the OPENFILENAME structure used by the CFileDialog. >>


File 1, 2, 3, 4 command
1, 2, 3, 4 command (File menu)

Use the numbers and filenames listed at the bottom of the File menu to open the last four documents you closed.  Choose the number that corresponds with the document you want to open.


File Exit command
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to end your Comms32 session.  You can also use the Close command on the application Control menu.  Comms32 prompts you to save documents with unsaved changes. Make sure you do this if  you have uploaded data from a data recorder.

Shortcuts

Mouse:	Double-click the application's Control menu button.

Keys:	ALT+F4


Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.  The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many tools used in <<YourApp>>,

To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).

<< Add or remove toolbar buttons from the list below according to which ones your application offers. >>

Click	To

Open a new document.

Open an existing document.  <<YourApp>> displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired file.

Save the active document or template with its current name.  If you have not named the document, <<YourApp>> displays the Save As dialog box.

Print the active document.

Remove selected data from the document and stores it on the clipboard.

Copy the selection to the clipboard.

Insert the contents of the clipboard at the insertion point.

Reverse the last editing.  Note:  You cannot undo some actions.

Go to the first record in the current selection.

Go to the previous record in the current selection.

Go to the next record in the current selection.

Go to the last record in the current selection.


View Status Bar Command
Status Bar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button, and keyboard latch state. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.

See Status Bar for help on using the status bar.


Status Bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the <<YourApp>> window.  To display or hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.

The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the arrow keys to navigate through menus.  This area similarly shows messages that describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing them.  If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.

The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched down:

Indicator	Description

CAP	The Caps Lock key is latched down.

NUM	The Num Lock key is latched down.

SCRL	The Scroll Lock key is latched down.


Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using <<YourApp>> and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


About command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your copy of <<YourApp>>.


Help Using Help Command
Context Help command

Use the Context Help command to obtain help on some portion of <<YourApp>>.  When you choose the Toolbar's Context Help button, the mouse pointer will change to an arrow and question mark.  Then click somewhere in the <<YourApp>> window, such as another Toolbar button.  The Help topic will be shown for the item you clicked.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+F1


Title Bar

<< Show your application's title bar here. >>

The title bar is located along the top of a window.  It contains the name of the application and document.

To move the window, drag the title bar.  Note: You can also move dialog boxes by dragging their title bars.

A title bar may contain the following elements:

Application Control-menu button

Document Control-menu button

Maximize button

Minimize button

Name of the application

Name of the document

Restore button


Size command (System menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can size the active window with the arrow keys.

After the pointer changes to the four-headed arrow:

1.	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (left, right, up, or down arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

2.	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

3.	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Drag the size bars at the corners or edges of the window.


Move command (Control menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active window or dialog box with the arrow keys.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F7


System Minimize Command
Minimize command (application Control menu)

Use this command to reduce the <<YourApp>> window to an icon.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the minimize icon [image] on the title bar.

Keys:	ALT+F9


Maximize command (System menu)

Use this command to enlarge the active window to fill the available space.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the maximize icon [image] on the title bar; or double-click the title bar.

Keys:	CTRL+F10 enlarges a document window.


Next Window command (document Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the next open document window.  <<YourApp>> determines which window is next according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F6


Previous Window command (document Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the previous open document window.  <<YourApp>> determines which window is previous according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+CTRL+F6


Close command (Control menus)

Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.

Double-clicking a Control-menu box is the same as choosing the Close command.

Note:  If you have multiple windows open for a single document, the Close command on the document Control menu closes only one window at a time.  You can close all windows at once with the Close command on the File menu.

Shortcuts

Keys: 	CTRL+F4 closes a document window

ALT+F4 closes the <<YourType>> window or dialog box


Restore command (Control menu)

Use this command to return the active window to its size and position before you chose the Maximize or Minimize command.


Switch to command (application Control menu)

Use this command to display a list of all open applications.  Use this "Task List" to switch to or close an application on the list.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+ESC

Dialog Box Options

When you choose the Switch To command, you will be presented with a dialog box with the following options:

Task List

Select the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To

Makes the selected application active.

End Task

Closes the selected application.

Cancel

Closes the Task List box.

Cascade

Arranges open applications so they overlap and you can see each title bar.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Tile

Arranges open applications into windows that do not overlap.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the bottom of the screen.


Edit Repeat Command
Repeat command (Edit menu)

Use this command to repeat the last editing command carried out.  The Repeat menu item changes to Can't Repeat if you cannot repeat your last action.

Shortcut

Key:	F4


Modifying the Document

<< Write application-specific help here that provides an overview of how the user should modify a document using your application.

If your application supports multiple document types and you want to have a distinct help topic for each, then use the help context i.d. generated by running the MAKEHELP.BAT file produced by AppWizard.  Alternatively, run MAKEHM as follows:

makehm IDR_HIDR_,0x2000 resource.h

If the IDR_ symbol for one of your document types is, for example, IDR_CHARTTYPE, then the help context i.d. generated by MAKEHM will be HIDR_CHARTTYPE.

Note, AppWizard defines the HIDR_DOC1TYPE help context i.d. used by this help topic for the first document type supported by your application.  AppWizard produces an alias in the .HPJ file for your application, mapping HIDR_DOC1TYPE to the HIDR_ produced by MAKEHM for that document type. >>


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.

<< If you wish to author help specific to each message box prompt, then remove the AFX_HIDP_xxx values from the [ALIAS] section of your .HPJ file, and author a topic for each AFX_HIDP_xxx value.  For example, AFX_HIDP_INVALID_FILENAME is the help topic for the Invalid Filename message box. >>


How To Down Load Data to a Data Recorder

The steps in the process are

1. 	Create coordinate file in the relevant format and save it as for example “out1.xyz”

2. 	Configure Settings for Data Out to be the same as the data recorder

3. 	Connect cable between data recorder and computer

4. 	Make sure Data recorder settings are the same as computer

5. 	File - Open  the file “out1.xyz” created in 1 above

6. 	Start the data recorder receiving

7. 	Transfer Data out.


How to Upload  Data from a Data Recorder to your computer

The process consists of the following steps

1. 	Configure Data recorder for output

2. 	Attach cable between Data Recorder and Computer

3. 	Configure Settings - Data to Computer in this program to match those on Data Recorder

4. 	Select Transfer then Data To Computer in this program

5. 	Start Data Collector sending - information will start to appear on the screen.

6. 	Select File then Save once saved exit from the program

Before you attempt to Upload data from your Data Recorder to the computer it is essential that you have both computer and data recorder configured to use the same communications parameters.

Configure the Data Recorder

As far as the Data Recorder is concerned, please refer to the manual which came with your particular unit, and make sure you are familiar with how to set up the communications parameters, and how to instruct the thing to actually send the information.

Attach the Cable

You will  need to use the cable which came with your Data Recorder and plug it into a serial port on the back of your computer. You will also need to identify which particular serial port you have attached the cable to. (For the uninitiated, a ‘port’ is simply a plug on the back of your computer)

Since the word “standard” is unheard of in the computer industry, we can’t tell you definitely how to identify which port is which, but, as a rough guide, if you have plugged your cable into a port which has nine pins, you are likely to be using Serial Port number 1, while if the port has 25 pins you are likely to be using Serial Port number 2.

Configure the Settings

Transfer - Data To Computer

Use your mouse to

.


TopCon GTS6 Data Recorder

Miscellaneous notes:

The firmware seems to have changed between mid 1996 and early 1997. The early firmware will not work with comms32 program. There seems to be a problem with the data format the point is expecting. Topcon have a communications program which communicates successfully. We at Foresight have a copy if you need one. The latest version of the firmware does work with Comms32. Interestingly the topcon communication program will no longer work with there latest version of the firmware.

When downloading data make sure you select the 3D option.


Communications In Dialog Box

Baud Rate

The baud Rate is the speed at which the computer and the data recorder exchange information.

The higher the number you choose, the faster your data transfer will be finished, but take note that some Data recorders are limited to how fast they can transmit or receive.

It does not really matter what speed you choose, as long as you choose the same speed on both your computer and your data recorder

Data Bits

Also called “world length”

You have a choice of either 7 or 8, and as long as both devices are set the same it does not matter which you c

hoose (unless of course your data recorder manual advises otherwise)

Stop Bits

Here you can choose 1 or 2, and again, providing the data recorder does not have a fixed setting, all that matters is that you use the same number on both devices.

Parity

Here you have a choice of three, and again what is important is that both devices use the same setting.

Flow Control

This is also called “handshaking” and it is the method by which the data recorder and the computer indicate to one another that they are ready for another piece of information to be sent.

Connector

This is also known as a “port” , and is simply a plug on the back of your computer.

The items labeled “COMx” are also known as “Serial”  or  “RS-232” , while the items labeled “LPTx” Are also referred to as “Parallel” or “Printer” .

Since the word “standard” is unheard of in the computer industry, we can’t tell you definitely how to identify which port is which, but, as a rough guide, if you look at the cable which came with your data recorder and see that the end which plugs into the computer is ‘female’ it is likely you are using a serial cable.

If you then identify a spare ‘male’ plug on the back of your computer which will fit the cable, and find you can plug your cable into a port which has nine pins, you are likely to be using  COM1 or  Serial Port number 1, while if the port has 25 pins you are likely to be using COM2 or Serial Port number 2.

Take note that Com3 and Com4 are NOT usually standard, and we therefore recommend that you avoid using them unless you know exactly what you are trying to achieve.

If the end of your cable is “male” and has 25 pins then it is intended to be plugged into a printer, or LPT port, and since they are all the same size we have no way of even guessing which might be which, so consult the person who sold you your computer.To be filled in


Communications Out Dialog Box

To be filled in


Communications Setup Dialog Box

Baud Rate

The baud Rate is the speed at which the computer and the data recorder exchange information.

The higher the number you choose, the faster your data transfer will be finished, but take note that some Data recorders are limited to how fast they can transmit or receive.

It does not really matter what speed you choose, as long as you choose the same speed on both your computer and your data recorder

Data Bits

Also called “world length”

You have a choice of either 7 or 8, and as long as both devices are set the same it does not matter which you c

hoose (unless of course your data recorder manual advises otherwise)

Stop Bits

Here you can choose 1 or 2, and again, providing the data recorder does not have a fixed setting, all that matters is that you use the same number on both devices.

Parity

Here you have a choice of three, and again what is important is that both devices use the same setting.

Flow Control

This is also called “handshaking” and it is the method by which the data recorder and the computer indicate to one another that they are ready for another piece of information to be sent.

Connector

This is also known as a “port” , and is simply a plug on the back of your computer.

The items labeled “COMx” are also known as “Serial”  or  “RS-232” , while the items labeled “LPTx” Are also referred to as “Parallel” or “Printer” .

Since the word “standard” is unheard of in the computer industry, we can’t tell you definitely how to identify which port is which, but, as a rough guide, if you look at the cable which came with your data recorder and see that the end which plugs into the computer is ‘female’ it is likely you are using a serial cable.

If you then identify a spare ‘male’ plug on the back of your computer which will fit the cable, and find you can plug your cable into a port which has nine pins, you are likely to be using  COM1 or  Serial Port number 1, while if the port has 25 pins you are likely to be using COM2 or Serial Port number 2.

Take note that Com3 and Com4 are NOT usually standard, and we therefore recommend that you avoid using them unless you know exactly what you are trying to achieve.

If the end of your cable is “male” and has 25 pins then it is intended to be plugged into a printer, or LPT port, and since they are all the same size we have no way of even guessing which might be which, so consult the person who sold you your computer.


File Print command
Print command (File menu)

Use this command to print a document.   This command presents a Print dialog box, where you may specify the range of pages to be printed, the number of copies, the destination printer, and other printer setup options.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Print dialog box

The following options allow you to specify how the document should be printed:

Printer

This is the active printer and printer connection.  Choose the Setup option to change the printer and printer connection.

Setup

Displays a Print Setup dialog box, so  you can select a printer and printer connection.

Print Range

Specify the pages you want to print:

All	Prints the entire document.
Selection	Prints the currently selected text.
Pages	Prints the range of pages you specify in the From and To boxes.
Copies

Specify the number of copies you want to print for the above page range.

Collate Copies

Prints copies in page number order, instead of separated multiple copies of each page.

Print Quality

Select the quality of the printing.  Generally, lower quality printing takes less time to produce.


Print Progress Dialog

The Printing dialog box is shown during the time that <<YourApp>> is sending output to the printer.  The page number indicates the progress of the printing.

To abort printing, choose Cancel.


File Print Preview command
Print Preview command (File menu)

Use this command to display the active document as it would appear when printed.  When you choose this command, the main window will be replaced with a print preview window in which one or two pages will be displayed in their printed format.  The print preview toolbar offers you options to view either one or two pages at a time; move back and forth through the document; zoom in and out of pages; and initiate a print job.


Print Preview toolbar

The print preview toolbar offers you the following options:

Print

Bring up the print dialog box, to start a print job.

Next Page

Preview the next printed page.

Prev Page

Preview the previous printed page.

One Page / Two Page

Preview one or two printed pages at a time.

Zoom In

Take a closer look at the printed page.

Zoom Out

Take a larger look at the printed page.

Close

Return from print preview to the editing window.


File Print Setup command
Print Setup command (File menu)

Use this command to select a printer and a printer connection.  This command presents a Print Setup dialog box, where you specify the printer and its connection.


Print Setup dialog box

The following options allow you to select the destination printer and its connection.

Printer

Select the printer you want to use.  Choose the Default Printer; or choose the Specific Printer option and select one of the current installed printers shown in the box.  You install printers and configure ports using the Windows Control Panel.

Orientation

Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Paper Size

Select the size of paper that the document is to be printed on.

Paper Source

Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper sources.  Specify the tray here.

Options

Displays a dialog box where you can make additional choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have selected.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.


File Page Setup Command
Page Setup command (File menu)

<< Write application-specific help here. >>