Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach Screens => Machscreen Screen Designer => Topic started by: Klaus1311 on April 07, 2009, 01:31:56 PM
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Hi Scott
I continue here our discussion about my program machscreen.
1). Can you put a way to "Z" layer the Bitmaps?, for example I have a Bitmap image that has Labels on top of it, when I import a screen into your designer the Labels disappear behind the Bitmap.
-This is a problem I was dealing with from the beginning. I'd prefer a solution, that would display controls and bitmaps on the screen like mach3 does. I will get in touch with artsoft, perhaps I get the loading order.
2). Most of all of your DROS show up as a Black box, sometimes you can see the "number" formatting in the DRO sometimes just the black box.
-As I can read from your first question, you using a ready screen.set. Is this file in the Mach3 directory? If you gettings black boxes, it looks to me the bitmaps are not found.
3). Can you implement "Horizontal Sliders", as well as Vertical Sliders.
-As far as I know, there are no vertical sliders in Mach3
4). I noticed when you go to add a OEM object, lets say the X position DRO, that the dropdown naming list you can set to X Position DRO OEM, but you then have to go and put the Code for that DRO "800" in the code line below it. On the OEM stuff, if your users pick lets say an OEM object then the code for the name of that object should automatically appear in the code line below it. This would save having users have to search of OEM codes for the objects that you have already listed the names.
-Did you select OEM X DRO from the combobox?
5). "Help" The help file will not come up on my comp. I am running Vista 64 bit (unfortunatly, but had no choice).
-You are right this help format is not supported by Vista
Wish List:
1). Is there a way you could add "Dynamic" scaling to the entire screen and all objects on the screen?? I.e. if you click a cornor to resize the Runtime screen that that screen and all objects in it will rescale both horizontally and Vertically to the size you change it to.
-I will think about that.
2). I like the "Red dotted" screen boarder lines you put into the screen, can you make a button or dialog that you could set the Extends of the screen you are building so that, the Red boarder lines would show on all screens? You would then know exactly how far you could place objects on the bottom and right side for the screen resolution you have choosen.
-What resolution are you working with?
3). Is there a way that you could tie "buttons" (User and OEM), to other objects in Mach3" For instance if LED 1201 came on, or some DRO was this or that value, then the button that is watching that event would Trigger.
-If I understand your question right, this must be done with scripts
EDIT: The screen designer can be found at http://www.kd-dietz.de/ in the projekt tap at the top.
Klaus
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A really handy feature would be "Lock all objects". :)
It would be nice if the "TAB" key cycled through the position and size boxes.
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I continue here our discussion about my program machscreen.
1). Can you put a way to "Z" layer the Bitmaps?, for example I have a Bitmap image that has Labels on top of it, when I import a screen into your designer the Labels disappear behind the Bitmap.
-This is a problem I was dealing with from the beginning. I'd prefer a solution, that would display controls and bitmaps on the screen like mach3 does. I will get in touch with artsoft, perhaps I get the loading order.
** ok
2). Most of all of your DROS show up as a Black box, sometimes you can see the "number" formatting in the DRO sometimes just the black box.
-As I can read from your first question, you using a ready screen.set. Is this file in the Mach3 directory? If you gettings black boxes, it looks to me the bitmaps are not found.
** no, I am opening the .set from the standard directory, and paths are the same. the "DRO's" in mach3 dont have "Bitmaps" anyway. Only Buttons, and LEDs have the use of Bitmaps.
3). Can you implement "Horizontal Sliders", as well as Vertical Sliders.
-As far as I know, there are no vertical sliders in Mach3
** Yes, in Screen4 there are Verical Sliders, but Horizontal sliders are not implemented, trust me when I tell you I have used Screen3, and 4 very extensively.
4). I noticed when you go to add a OEM object, lets say the X position DRO, that the dropdown naming list you can set to X Position DRO OEM, but you then have to go and put the Code for that DRO "800" in the code line below it. On the OEM stuff, if your users pick lets say an OEM object then the code for the name of that object should automatically appear in the code line below it. This would save having users have to search of OEM codes for the objects that you have already listed the names.
-Did you select OEM X DRO from the combobox?
** yes I did, and I had to put the OEM code in my self, it does not automatically appear, with the associated OEM object. Not really a big deal, I can look up the code if it is a show stopper, have been doing that for a long time as well, so am used to it.
5). "Help" The help file will not come up on my comp. I am running Vista 64 bit (unfortunatly, but had no choice).
-You are right this help format is not supported by Vista
** ok
Wish List:
1). Is there a way you could add "Dynamic" scaling to the entire screen and all objects on the screen?? I.e. if you click a cornor to resize the Runtime screen that that screen and all objects in it will rescale both horizontally and Vertically to the size you change it to.
-I will think about that.
** Ok, Thanks!!
2). I like the "Red dotted" screen boarder lines you put into the screen, can you make a button or dialog that you could set the Extends of the screen you are building so that, the Red boarder lines would show on all screens? You would then know exactly how far you could place objects on the bottom and right side for the screen resolution you have choosen.
-What resolution are you working with?
** what I am asking here, that no matter what resolution the computer is that I am designing the screen on, (lets say a large screen), and I am designing the screen for a computer that will have a smaller screen that I can set the Size of that screen and the Red Lines would "box in" that area so I know where the boundries are as to not place objects outside that perimeter.
3). Is there a way that you could tie "buttons" (User and OEM), to other objects in Mach3" For instance if LED 1201 came on, or some DRO was this or that value, then the button that is watching that event would Trigger.
-If I understand your question right, this must be done with scripts
** no what I am saying is this: I can assign a "triggering" event to the button, for instance lets say that my button when pushed does a Cycle Start. So, I put in the Button set up, select a trigger event that if UserLED 1201 goes to "ON" then that button will "Push" to "ON" once per cycle of the LED from on to off. Or you could watch a DRO that if this value or that it would trigger, once per change to that value.
scott
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Hi Scott,
now I'm confused
3). Can you implement "Horizontal Sliders", as well as Vertical Sliders.
-As far as I know, there are no vertical sliders in Mach3
** Yes, in Screen4 there are Verical Sliders, but Horizontal sliders are not implemented, trust me when I tell you I have used Screen3, and 4 very extensively.
my mistake was As far as I know, there are no vertical sliders in Mach3
it should have been
As far as I know, there are no horizontal sliders in Mach3
in your answer you say
** Yes, in Screen4 there are Verical Sliders, but Horizontal sliders are not implemented,
do you know the code for horizontal slider?
and for the other problems it would be very helpfull, if I could get your set-file.
Klaus
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Klaus,
There is NO Horizontal sliders implemented in Screen 4, Art, sent me the source file for Screen 4, to try and fix the bugs in it, since the "Ultimate Tool Box" that it was built with isnt compatable with Vista 32 or 64 for the menu items.
I looked deeply into the code, and Vertical sliders is implemented, Horizontal is NOT implemented. Vertical Sliders are put as a rectangle with the Device contex and depending on the ratios and the vertical bool choosen it implements the Dro as a slider vertical. but the code ends there with out a simular option for Horizontal slider.
I will need you to "Email" at: PoppaBear"at"hughes.net
For me to send you one of my screen sets requires a relatively large Bitmap set.....
scott
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Klaus
Been playing with your screen designer. I can't believe how good it is already.
One thing that looks like a problem,
If I select a group of objects by dragging a box around them, then nudge that group with a keyboard arrow the program stops responding.
"Control select" multiple objects and they will "Nudge" OK
Greg
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Hi Greg
is this problem reproducible? If so, can you send me your set-file and give me an exact description, what you have done.
I published a intermediate version V1.14a (a bug removed and background color added).
Klaus
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Klaus
Open the standard Mach 1024 screenset, delete the background image, lasso select any group of screen objects, nudge them as a group with the arrow keys.
This will crash the program 100% for me.
Delete the background because I can not lasso select with it there. My screens do not have a large background image so I can lasso select more easily.
Greg
EDIT: My terminology is probably incorrect. I mean dragging a selection box with the mouse.
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Hi Greg,
I found the bug and corrected it. The new version is V1.14b
Klaus
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A really handy feature would be "Lock all objects". :)
It would be nice if the "TAB" key cycled through the position and size boxes.
Any chance of adding these features? When scripts are edited in Mach3, all the controls become unlocked. It would be nice to be able to load the screen, and lock everything before resuming work on the screen. Thanks.
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Klaus,
I edited your first post in this topic to include a link to your screen designer. I have downloaded V1.14b but haven't had time to play with it yet. Thank you very much for working on this.
Brett
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Hi Gerry
when you talk about locking, do you mean lock for mouse move in MachScreen? Because in your last post you wrote "When scripts are edited in Mach3 all the controls become unlocked". When you lock a control in MachScreen and start the G-Code or script editor, after finishing the editor the control is still locked. What do you need the feature "lock all objects" for?
happy Easter
Klaus
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Yes, lock for mouse. When I edit a button script in mach3, all my controls are no longer locked for mouse.
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Hi Gerry,
do you really mean Mach3 and not my screendesigner "MachScreen"?
Klaus
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Yes, after I create a screen, I load it into mach3 and edit the button scripts. When mach3 saves the screen with the button scripts, it appears to unlock the controls for mouse movement. So when the screen is loaded back into a designer (either yours or screen4), the controls are no longer locked for mouse.
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Hi Gerry,
unfortunately the lockbit information isn't saved to the set-file and therefor not interpreted by mach3. I don't want to put an information into the setfile which would be unknown to Mach3. You can, on the other hand edit your script in the screendesigner. Select the control you want to assign the script, doubleclick "execute code", dialog appears, asking you G-Code / VB Script assign later, after reply to that, you are in the MachScreen editor.
Klaus
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That makes sense, thank you for clearing that up. I've been working in Screen4, where I couldn't edit the scripts. Now that I can edit them in your designer, i should no longer have the problem. Thanks again. :)
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Hi Greg,
I found the bug and corrected it. The new version is V1.14b
Thanks. :D
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Hi Scott,
I think I found the bug of disappearing digits on the dro and fixed it, this wasn't a VISTA 64bit problem. I also implemented a frame to show a settable window size. The new version is V1.14c and is downloadable from www.kd-dietz.de
Klaus
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Ok Klaus,
I will "Fool" with it, again and see if I can make something else fail (bug test). BTW: Thank you for your time in doing this!! Your work is GREATLY appreciated.
I will state here publically, so everyone will be aware, If you want to Send me your "Source Code" for the screen designer, and what I will do, it go through, and do an "English" laungage "INstaller" for you if you want.
I realize once you get into the screen set you can change the runtime laungauge pack, but the installer is all in your laungauge.
I have a copy of VS2003 (that I do plugs in), and a copy of VS2008 that I do the (Plugin Wizard stuff in "Eds Stuff"). I can take your source code, and update all the stuff to English, and then zip it up and send you back the code for you to compile.
Thank you for your work in the BADLY needed area!!!!!!! You are a true asset to the Mach3 community.
Scott
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Hallo Scott,
thank you for your offer. I didn't expect someone to read the text while installing. It was just a parameter in my installation routine, I changed it and put it on my site.
Klaus
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Klaus
While you are at it you might as well do the same for the video plugin. For us ignorant monolingual users. ;D
Greg
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Klaus,
Ok, on the installer thing. (Please ALSO put "English" on your "Error Codes/messages also", and we could help you more on debugging.)
Found some more "Bugs" on the new screen designer.
1). I have enclosed a screen shot for this one, When you go to add a New Page lets say 16, it will not let you add the page, and it gives an error, I would tell
you what it was, but it is in your laungauge.
2). I was checking to see if you can look at or edit, "png" style LEDs, when I cliicked on one to look at it, the Screen designer Crashes all together and exits after
clicking on the error dialogs.
3). The vertical sliders appear as a vertical rectangle with a solid color nothing else.
That is far as I got with this Screen designer so far........ I was gonna then Cheack to make sure that the "Dual" state Buttons and "Dual" state LEDs.
Also: Any luck on adding a "Horizontal" Slider? In the Scream4 source, Art uses standard dc stuff and rectangles, he looks at the screen for the "Slider" Dro format code like this:
if( Format.GetAt(0) == 'S' )
{
m_DRO = Format.Find("D") != -1;
m_Top = Format.Find('T') != -1;
Slider = true;
if( Format.Find( "%" ) != -1)
{
CString tFormat = Format.Right( format.GetLength() - format.Find("%") );
format = tFormat;
}
}
if( !Slider || (Slider && m_DRO))
pDC->DrawText( label, size,DT_RIGHT); //draw the text..
if( Loaded )
{
if( !Slider )
image.image->Draw(pDC);
else
{
image.image->Draw(pDC, tsize );
}
}
So he pulls the Text that shows it is a slider (I didnt post all the code here), but if it is a slider he formats the rectangle/dc as a vertical slider. I guess you could add an identifier for Horizontal slider and implement the object accordingly.
Scoll Bars: Can you add scroll bars to the Vertical and Horizontal controls of the Designer Window it self. For instance if I have a small computer screen, but I want
to design a screen for a larger computer, then I could scroll the designer up or right to get to parts that would not show normally.
scott
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2). I was checking to see if you can look at or edit, "png" style LEDs, when I cliicked on one to look at it, the Screen designer Crashes all together and exits after
clicking on the error dialogs.
That is far as I got with this Screen designer so far........ I was gonna then Cheack to make sure that the "Dual" state Buttons and "Dual" state LEDs.
All my button graphics are png. They all seem to work no worries.
I use a lot of two state LEDs and they all work too.
Have not got it to crash since the nudge problem was fixed.
Greg
EDIT: I also added new pages. Still won't crash.
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When I go to "Frame size" and adjust the line width to 2 and click OK,
I get an error message saying "Please enter bitmap extensions"
Greg
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Hmm, well it is crashing here like Clock work.
I am running Vista64 bit, perhaps there is an issue there then.
scott
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OK, XP here
Greg
EDIT: It would be good to get a few more users trying this out to get a better spread of reports.
So any readers who have a bit of Screem4 experience want to jump on board and give it a whirl. :)
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Greg, I have been downloading every update but haven't had time to play yet. Probably won't be able to for a couple of more weeks but looking forward to it.
Thanks for your efforts Klaus.
Brett
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Hi Scott,
I changed all the static German part to multilingual (I hope I found all entries). Can you give me a hint, how to read your enclosed screen shot? Please tell me the png format LED you have problems with. The vertical slider is already implemented. I could define an horizontal slider, the question is, can Mach3 (all Versions) handle it. About the scrolling I will think about.
Klaus
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Klaus, again thanks for your time and efforts and very fast responses.
Yes the Horzontal slider needs to be done. You can do a Horizontal slider since it is you who will display the object, in the snippet of code from Scream4 above, you willl see the vertical slider code, and that he just grabs the format code, uses the Crect and dc to make the slider then feeds it the DRO in question.
screen shot of the "Cant add a window error" attached.
The LED that I tried to double click to edit is the "Reset" pnb LED that surrounds the OEM mach3 Reset button on it's standard screen.
Looking forward to the "Multilinqual" thing.
scott
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hmm, after looking at the error window, I see the screens dont support 1024x768?
scott
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Looks like it is limited by the size of the screen that the editing is being done on.
You are using a laptop right?
Here I am on a 1680 x 1050 and this is what I get. Largest option is 1024 x 768.
Greg
EDIT: I see that the custom size is the max viewable screen area taking into account the taskbar. If I autohide the taskbar it increases the max user defined by that amount.
Looks like scroll bars are going to be necessary for a lot of users.
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Yes, that was my thoughts as well in an ealier post asking for the scroll bars so you make a Bigger screen on your smaller screen........ hehhehee
:)
scott
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Yeah I think scroll bars are going to be a must-have. :)
Klaus I can't believe how great your editor is already.
We have been wishing for something like this for as long as I have been using Mach.
Fantastic job. :D
Greg
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I'm going to do some testing with this over the next few weeks. I'll let you know if I find any problems.
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One minor thing that doesn't work. Options>Settings>Color Settings. If you add a Custom Color in the color picker dialog box, it doesn't get saved. So if you have a few controls with the same color, you have to manually choose it from each one.
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Another minor thing,
The text in labels shows different size in the editor to what it does when screen is loaded in Mach.
This makes getting the text size to look right, difficult.
Greg
EDIT: By the way it will be good to get your experience involved with testing Gerry.
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Lot's of little things. Once I saved the .set file, I can't change the background color. I can change it, but it resets to the original color when I load it back in the next time.
Also, made a screen with a background .png and 4 DRO's. When I loaded it into Mach3, the background .png didn't show up. Reloading it got it to work. Anyone seen this.
Klaus, back to the "Lock for Mouse" issue. In Screen4, Locked items remain locked between sessions. In your designer they unlock when the designer is closed. Is there a way to keep them locked between sessions?
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Here's a killer. Close the designer without saving, and it prompts you "Yes, No, Cancel". Cancel should return you to the program, and not close it. But, it closes it, and seems to leave a process running, because when restarting it it's very sluggish, and won't load the screen. Task manager showed 2 processes, and I had to kill them both to get it to work again.
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One thing I can think of, may have been mentioned already. If you could have 2 screens open and could copy and paste between them. :) That would be great but it allready sounds great. Thanks Klaus
Brett
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Hi all
@Scott I will take the contolling of the max window size away.
@Gerry did the color setting problem occur with version 1.14d?
@Greg the font isn't stored in the set file. I will set the font to the default values of Mach3, but if you change the font setting in Mach3, you have the problem again.
@Gerry problem closing without saving. I can't reproduce the problem on my machine. Can you give me more information, or your screen-set file
@Gerry I will save the lock for mouse items in a later version.
@Brett At the moment you can copy(ctrl C) and paste(ctrl v) complete pages( ctrl A) within a screenset.
At the moment, I don't have the time I'd like to have. I'm trying to get the mayor problems fixed and implement the wishes later on.
Klaus
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Hi Scott
issue hor slider.
You are right, the slider must be drawn from the screendesigner, as it is done for all the other ctrls, but, when the screen set is loaded into Mach3, it must be drawn by Mach3. In that case Mach3 must recognize it as a hor slider. I know only the definition letters S, D, T, B, L, H. With those I cannot define a hor slider. If there is a way to describe a hor slider, please tell me.
Klaus
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The code identifies it as a slider that you have posted. What I saw that Art did in his code, he looked at the code above, and that identified it as a slider, then he looked at the Hiegth to wieght relationship. If it was taller than it was wide then the first part of an IF statement would default to the Vertical Slider. if it was not wider than tall then it would default to the standard DRO.
So my thought is this, Since the code first looks to see if it is a Slider (by the above code letters), it then chooses if it is a Vertical slider. In this case you could say iif taller than wide do Vertical, and if wider than Tall it is a Horizontal. If the code doesnt see the Slider identifider it just defaulted to the Standard DRO.
scott
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@Greg the font isn't stored in the set file. I will set the font to the default values of Mach3, but if you change the font setting in Mach3, you have the problem again.
Just to demonstrate what I was talking about. Three pictures of a small segment of one of my screensets. All the exact same segment.
1. Screen as seen in Mach3
2. Screen as displayed in Screen4
3. Screen as displayed in MachScreen
As you can see Screen4 replicates it accurately as it will be displayed in Mach3.
MachScreen does not replicate as it will be displayed in Mach3 so well, which makes it more difficult to get the layout looking good.
Greg
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Scott, what Klaus is saying is that he doesn't know if Mach3 actually will support a horizontal slider
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@Gerry did the color setting problem occur with version 1.14d?
Yes. I'll do some more testing tonight to make sure i can reproduce it.
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Ger,
Mach supporting a Horizontal slider is NOT the issue at all. The Display Mach Screen, and the source for Scream 4, are the programs that decide how to display the DRO or vertical or horizontal slider. Mach doesnt even know what the DRO is, it just sends the numbers to it. The code in Scream 4, Or in Klauses case, decides HOW to display that info.......
Art Gave me the source for scream 4, and I was relaying to Klaus how Art has the screen IDE decide on how to render the DRO.
scott
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Hi Scott,
I did some testing with sliders. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it doesn't work the way you want. Mach3 must interpret the control letters in the format string, to decide wether or not move the slider bar. This movement is only done in vertical direction. You can resize a slider to have a longer x then y extension. It won't work. In the version V1.14d I found that placing a new slider doesn't work correctly, this will be fixed.
Klaus
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What I am seeing here in the code, is he looks at the slider code, and then depending on the H to W relationship of the rectangle he then assigns it a Vertical slider, vs. regular DRO.
I will send my snippit of code to Art, to see if I can get some clairification on it, and see if there is a way to implement Horizontal sliders. Horizontal Sliders is something that people (including me), have wanted for a long, long time.
scott
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Klaus (and others),
I did speak with Brian today, he will implement the "Horizontal Slider" in the version 4.0 release of Mach3. I spoke to Art as well, and you are right Klaus, Mach 3 does indeed Re-Implement the screen designer code. Art said to me that the Screen designer code is also repeated in Mach3 so it can use the objects of screen designers. So, even though we can make the external Scream4 Make Dog&Pony shows, it apprears the the internals have to run that same show........ Kinda of a bummer in a way. So, my hopes where dashed that we could work around it without having to do a Mach core change.
Scream4: I was having many troubles with Scream4, so Art had sent me the code to see if I could get things like the Menu items to work with Vista 32 and 64, as well a few other bugs like scroll wheel on the mouse. Unfortunatly, the Screen4 is largly based on the "Ultimate Tool Kit" which will only support XP. I did try and find and replace menu dialog items with thier Vista compatable objects. That was a NO-GO for sure. In the end it would have required a complete re-write of the screen designer to run with Vista, so I am very, very glad you have came along!!!
Scott
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Hi all
I fixed a few bugs, changed the size limitation and implemented the storing of locked controls. Scott, if you know about the hor slider, please give me a hint.
The actual version is V1.14e. Scrolling will be next.
Klaus
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Hi,
in version V1.15 I implemented the requested scrolling feature and can be downloaded from my hp.
Klaus
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Hey Klaus,
You will have to contact Brian about the internals of implementing a Hor. Slider since that will be up to him........
scott
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Klaus
The latest version is going well for me so far.
Is there a setting I can change to get label text to appear in the editor the same size as it will in Mach3?
Greg
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Hi
there is no way for the user to set the font size, because Mach3 is using an independent font size. In version 1.15.1 I tried to set the font size to the size Mach3 is using and I made a few cosmetic changes.
Klaus
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Klaus
Something is not right with the text in labels.
Following pics are of the same screen in Mach3 and in MachScreen
There is only one label on the page called "Text"
As you can see in Mach3 it fills it's box and in MachScreen it does not even sit inside the box
Greg
.
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Hi Greg,
you are right, this was a bug. The corrected version can be downloaded ( V1.15.2 ).
To get the text looking like in Mach, it is like sticking in the dust. Scott could you please give me the CreateFont - parameters for all used fonts. The API function calls Screen4 is using to draw the text and how the ratio height / width of the font is calculated?
Klaus
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Klaus,
I will ask Art/Brian if it is ok from me to release the scream4 source to you.
I will say it would probably be more favorable if you would allow ALL users of Mach3 free use of the screen designer you then come up with, Commericial guys,
and hobby guys. Let me know if that is something you would agree to and I will ask them.
OR, you could ask them your self, they are pretty open to things that advance the User community power with Mach.
scott
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Klaus,
I talked to Brian this AM, about your Screen, I told him it was basically a "Screen5".....hehhehehe At any rate, he would like you to contact him via, Email (you can send to the Support site email from this website). Tell him in your email who you are and what your doing, (links to your latest screen, or attach a zip), Tell him you are the "screen IDE guy" that scott told you about.
scott
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Hi everybody
Version V1.16 is available for download. I wouldn't have problems if commercial guys would use this program, as long as they don't make profit with it.
I did a few fixes and made text on buttons look like on Mach3, thanks to Brian's info. For the moment this is a final version.
Klaus
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Hey Klaus,
Nice job on the fixes........ I found a few more bugs.........
I have attached a screen shot for your review.
Here is what I am seeing, even though you set the screen size for lets say 1024x768, (the screen shot shows my screen 2 the MDI screen), same screen set that I sent you.
What I am seeing here is the screen set has a "Back ground" color of Light Blue, and as you can see the Back ground color Stops and does not go all the way down to the bottom
of the "Frame size" outline (the frame size is turned on). it shows white space the Blue background color just stops...... it has a Read Dotted Line boarder around it which I am not sure what that represents? It is smaller than the Solid Red line boarder (for the Frame Extends). The back ground color is not a bit map eigther.
Also, at the top of the screen shot on the various pages, a Small bit of Screen is below the menu items and will over lay the real screen, it is like the "OnPaint()" function is only
redrawing 5-10 or so pixels below the Menu into the client area so some screen stuff never gets redrawn.........
I guess Brain did not buy the Screen designer you did from you, so for those of us who do make commercial screens what is the cost of making those screens with your designer?
scott
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Hi Scott,
the first point you are mentioning, is not a bug. The screen size you set at creation time is not saved to the *.set file. The dotted line shows the max outline of the controls used on that page, accordingly the background is painted.
to save me time, searching for the page where the menu items overlap the screen, please give me the page number, so I can have a closer look at that.
as I mentioned earlier, this program is freeware and can be used from everyone. The only restriction is, it may not be sold.
Klaus
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Scott
I seems to me that the dotted line and background colour only go as far as to encompass any components on that page and not necessarily to the frame extents.
Where it becomes confusing in your example is that some of the components at the bottom of the page are actually considered to be on page 0.
That is they are shown on all screens. Every component that "shows on all screens" are on page 0.
Greg
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Klaus: The page in the screen shot is Page 2, the MDI page, of the screen set I sent you.
Klaus and Greg: At the bottom of my screens I have a mixture of both Page 0 items, and Non-page 0 items.
On the screen shot I showed you, (Klaus please load up the screen set I sent you), once you load it up, goto page 2 (for instance), and also other pages
you will set that the Back ground color will change its "Extends" range in a random fashion, mabey not a big deal, but it is confusing as to why?
Also, I have noticed when flipping between screens, at the top of the "Child Client area", about 5-10 pixels directly below the menu bar, there is an area that,
never seams to get redrawn once you start flipping around the Pages, (to include page 0).
It may be something Crazy, because I am running Vista 64, it has done OTHER goofy things to me, in my own development stuff that is Hair pulling at the least.
Commercial Use: Ahhh, I understand now, so your saying that we cannot SELL you Screen designer, BUT, we can sell the screens we make with it, ok that clears it up for me.
BTW: Please, Please dont thinkg I am ungratefull, I am very pleased with the amazing amount of work you have done in fixing many of the long term grips that we screen designers have had to live with. Thank you so very, very much for all you have done, and your super fast response time to bug (or idiosyncracy) fixes.
scott
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Hi
@Scott as I wrote in my previous post, the page size isn't saved to the *.set file. At loadtime I look for the largest extension per page. When the page is selected the background and the dotted line frame is shown in that range. BTW, on page 1 right to the button off1200 your DRO is formatted to a 16 digit wide number? The problem with unpainted parts under the menubar I couldn't reproduce.
I changed a few things, like graying the toolbar when changing to view -> overview, view -> hotkey
Did someone some testing with options -> ports / pins?
Klaus
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Hi All
How do I change the machscreen from german to English
Thank you klmark
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Hi klmark
Extras -> Einstellungen -> Sprachauswahl
Klazs
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Klaus,
Yea that screen set also serves as a test screen, I formatted that one DRO like that cause I was posting 16 bit values from the Modbus to it.
scott
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I only just noticed this thread and downloaded the designer.
I look forward to experimenting with it.
Thanks for building it.
Benny
EDIT: The first time it opened in English, now it opens in another language, and I dont know how to change the settings.
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Hi Benny
I changed that behaviour in version V1.18. You can change the language settings: Extras -> Einstellungen -> Sprachauswahl.
Klaus
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Thanks Klaus.
Its been a few years since Ive done much with screen, but I used to do quite a bit with them in the past.
How hard would it be to add "right click", cut,paste,delete, bring to front, send to back, one step backwards, one step forwards.
I like the setout of your designer so far.
Great work !!
Benny
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Hi Benny
if this would be of interest for all the other users, I could think about that.
Klaus
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Klaus,
How hard would it be to add "right click", cut,paste,delete, bring to front, send to back, one step backwards, one step forwards.
These are great suggestions and I feel certain anyone doing much screen work would love these if they were added. I really appreciate the work you have already done.
Thanks a lot,
Brett
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Hi
in version V1.19 I added the wanted TrackPopup (context) menu.
Klaus
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When editing a screen I usually have Mach3 running as well as the editor and reload the screenset often to check things I have edited.
Using Screen4 this works OK but when using MachScreen, Mach3 is not able to load the graphic elements. BMPs, PNGs, etc.
So I must close MachScreen before checking the layout in Mach3.
Is this able to be fixed?
Greg
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That is a great addition Klaus.
That sort of thing makes it much more pleasant to use the designer.
Thanks for that :)
I have other suggestions, but I'm not sure if our suggestions are annoying.
Please let us know if you want them, or not.
Benny
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Hi Benny
of course you can give your suggestions and wishes, but I cannot promise, to implement all of them.
Klaus
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Hi
@Greg I will have a look at this, but it might take some time.
Don't use version 1.19, use V1.19.1 instead. In version 1.19 you can only save data, if you've added at least one ctrl.
Klaus
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Klaus,
Thanks for adding the ability to copy/paste. That is great. :) I downloaded Version 1.19.1 a few minutes ago and loaded it up to play. Just couldn't wait. ;D I opened an exisiting screen set and went to page one, right click, select all, copy, Created a new page, click on the screen and click paste. I get an error message saying Machscreen is not responding and needs to close a few seconds later. This could very well be a problem specific to my computer. This is an older one and in need of a clean install. Can anyone verify this for me? If there is anything I can do to help troubleshoot let me know.
Thanks for making Machscreen and shareing it with us Klaus,
Brett
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Happens here too Brett
Playing around it seems that copying a DRO for instance works OK
Copying a button makes it crash.
I have not done sufficient tests to establish more than that yet.
Greg
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When assigning a gcode to a button, it froze the whole program.
I couldnt even close it via Control/Alt/Delete
This is a great screen designer, but I think I might check back in a few months once you guys have made it stable
I'm over beta testing software for the moment.
Greg, can you give me a hoi once you think its there.
Great work Klaus, you're onto a winner.
Benny
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Thanks for verifying Greg.
Thanks Benny.
Brett
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Hi all
the bug is in version 1.19.2 fixed.
Klaus
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Klaus, I have been playing with Machscreen a little more today. I can't tell you thank you enough. It has a few bugs but if they get hammered out it will be amazing IMO. I looked at the ports and pins for a profile an when I tried to exit I got the Machscreen has encountered an error and needs to close message.
One addition I think would be extreamly nice if you feel up to it would be the ability to print the overview and Hotkeys pages and/or export them as a spread sheet. Another would be if you could edit properties of objects from the overview page. Lastly, if you could parse the image location so that the folder name only could be changed.
This is great Klaus. :) :) :) Let me know if I can help with any thing.
Brett
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Hi
@Brett I cannot reproduce the ports and pins problem, could you please tell me step by step, what you have done and send me your xml file. About your wishes I will think about, but this will take some time.
Klaus
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Klaus, I have not been able to recreate the problem with the ports/pins check. It may have been related to this. I was testing, building a new screen and went to view, over view. Went back to design view and I couldn't select any object except the Image I was using for a background. So I unlocked it and moved it down so i could get to some buttons I had put on the screen earlier. This is when I got the error this time. When this happens, it takes a few minutes for the program to end task from task manager.
The more I play the more I learn. This is looking very promising Klaus.
I did see where 2 more features would be very helpful too. Not asking you to work yourself to death to implement but would love to suggest.
A snap to grid where the x and y spaceing can be entered and very important IMO is the ability to have layers. Layers that have lockable positions, reveal and hide views, and the ability to be moved up and down in the tree. Each item could be moved up and down individually.
I also sent you a PM.
Thanks,
Brett
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Layers with Z levels would be awesome !! Especialy when I put a transparent button over an LED. Now you need to move the button to access the LED, which is a pain, because it's transparent and can get lost easily. Being able to change an LED under a button with the button on place would make things soooo much easier. ;D
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Hi Brett
layers wont help, because they don't fit in the set-file structure and Mach3 doesn't use it either. The align feature and moving the selected items with the arrow - keys, (the pos is shown on top of the dialog) give you almost the same ability.
Klaus
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layers wont help, because they don't fit in the set-file structure and Mach3 doesn't use it either.
Thanks Klaus, Would it be possible to have layers in a Machscreen format (working file) and then export as a .set file without layers? As Gerry pointed out, layers would be a huge benefit but we have managed without them in the past. It would be extremely nice though.
Your right about the positioning Klaus. I think a grid would make design work easier in design view but not necessary.
Thanks,
Brett
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I missed this if it has been said. How do you select a button for editing if it has been assigned as global in the past?
Brett
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I agree with Gerry (Once again) Z level layers would be great. In fact they are essential. I know this has been raised more than once over the years. I also know that Art has confirmed that they are not able to do this with Mach's curent display arrangement.
JetCams screen designer had the unique work around by enabling layers in the designer, but exporting a one image screen capture for the final screen, essentialy simulating layers. The only trouble was editing a screen made by another person. You needed the working files.
Using Realdraw you could also do the same, but again it was impossible to edit by another user without the working files. As shown by the many requests to edit the MachBlue screen
Personally I think ANY screen designer will be limited by the limitations of Machs current display.
Flash was, and is the ultimate designer, however its very hard for a novice to make a screen of substance. Apart from Jason (Zealous) and Scott, I havnt seen many screens made using flash. Although it gives complete design control.
What we really need is a plugin that gets all the inputs and outputs from Mach. This way we could have a third party display system that runs independant from mach. Imagine a HTML page that could control Mach. There isnt many design limitations you cant do with HTML. And there are loads of free editors too.
The unltiamte system would be a third party HTML designer, with built in preset controls that exported out an html page and spoke to Mach via the plugin hooks.
It wouldnt be too hard to do, given the ammount of open source HTML software already out there.
They only other thing that should be considered is that it is all contained in ONE file. So if a screen was made all the HTML files, pictures and sounds were exported as a zip file. The plugin would read the zip file, without it needing to be unzipped.
That way any user could distribute a scree as one file, and any user could edit it.
While I like the idea of this new screen designer, I would prefer to see work done on the plugin and HTLM ZIP, one file instead.
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You're not going to get a different screen type with the current version of Mach3. So you might as well get the best designer possible to work with the current system. When Brian starts on the next "Mach", hopefully a better system will be in place. (Although I don't think the current system is all that bad) :-\
As for Flash, there are two big hurdles. One, no documentation. I was going to learn to make a Flash screen a year ago, but with no docs, I just quickly learned how to do regular screens instead. And two, the fact that you need to learn Flash. I can do a regular screen, no problem. But even if I had documentation for Flash Screens, I'm guessing I'd need to spend around 100 additional hours (or more) learning to code in Flash (is it called action script??) I'm sure that the majority of screen designers would run into the same issues. But until some good documentation becomes available, I don't think you'll see any new Flash screens.
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Flash..... Yeap, there is NO doubt, it is the best screen desingner anywhere, BUT, the learning curve is crazy. I can easily say, that it took me about a year to get to the point that I could make my own working screens in it, and that was with Skype help, and persoanal visiits to Jasons house to get some one on one.
For me at least. It takes me about 4-5 times as long to make a Flash screen than a regular screen since Flash screens have many, many "Maintenance layers" that you never see but or essential for Flash to operate as a Mach3 screen. I Broke down a purchased the CS4 Flash IDE and it ran me about 300.00 bucks off of Ebay, and that is probably much higher than many would be willing to pay.
Klaus, I for one am VERY, VERY gratefull for the work you have done, and continue to do....... I also think the best "Work around" solution would be to have layers in your screen designer and then that would Export as a single "Merged" bit map.... I dont care if no one else can "Undo" my layers, if they want to modify my screen for some reason then they can email me for the original bitmaps or do thier own screen.
Most people here, dont want to design a screen, they just want to use one, so the above Layers workaround would be great!! Those of us that do make screens here and there to make extra money really DONT wont some guy or OEM making money off of our work. (sorry Benny, some of use want some money for our work). I and others here, make screens both for Sale and Free use, there is Alot of work that goes into a screen set.
scott
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Hi all
You wont believe it, occasionally I have to do something else than programing ;D That's why it took a bit longer this time.
In version 1.19.3 I implemented the option to print data from info - and hotkeys view. About the z-level problem I'm still thinking how to insert it into the program structure.
I will not write a unix version because I don't know enough about unix. There are long and hard discussions about open source. In that subject I'm old fashioned, this is probably because of my age.
Klaus
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Klaus, thank you for your work. I have no idea about coding but in less than one day on this forum i have customized my mach screens to better suite my needs, and i am currently setting up video feed using your plugin to aid my tip2tip touchoffs.
you adhere to KISS principal and i had 0 learning curve using your designer.
well done and keep it up :)
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Suggestions for editing Global items.
I know that all objects that are global are displayed on page 0 and can be edited from there, but I haven't seen yet how to change the global setting. The only way I can see to do this right now is to just delete the object from screen 0. I like the idea of haveing all global objects on one page. This makes it nice but I'm trying to figure out a way to edit these from any page. I relise this could get complicated. My thoughts are it would be great if the global objects could be edited from any page by seleting it and changeing its global status to yes or no. If it is yes and you change to no, it is deleted from page 0 and not the rest of the pages. They would have to be edited individually. One step further would be a check box to delete all or just from page 0. One more step above that would be to have a box to list pages to delete items from (1,2,6,9) for example. This way if you have 12 pages and only want to remove it from one of them, it would be a very simple process. If you change it from no to yes, it would be added to page 0 and to all other pages.
Thanks,
Brett
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Suggestions for selecting/editing items in design view.
I really like the the way we can drag a box to select multiple items and Hold down the Ctrl key and click a single item to dictate which is to be the driving item for alignment and spacing buttons. That is very nice. I can think of 2 tools in this area that would be very nice.
1) In some CAD packages I use you can select multiple items and then deselect individually by holding down the shift key and selecting the individual item you want to deselect. If you picked the wrong item to deselect you just hold down the shift key and click to reselect and it puts back in the selected group again. In screen 4 this is done by holding down the Ctrl key and selecting individual items to deselect.
2) It would be great if you could select multiple items and re size all selected based on ratios. If you had one item that was 10 pixels high and a second that was 20 pixels high and selected both. You would hold down the control key to choose which would be the driving item if it was not already. Lets say the 20 pixel high item is the driving item in this case. You drag it to double its height to 40 pixels and the original 10 pixel item height would now be 20 pixels high. I think that would be best but an alternative method might be if the items could be edited from the overview page. Maybe if you select multiple items in design view and go to the overview page they would be listed at the top and highlighted or sorted by selected items.
Just throwing the line out and fishing for input,
Brett
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Hi
in version 1.19.4 I implemented the following:
selected items can be deselect by holding the shift-key down and click on the item you want to deselect
global elements are editable on every page, this feature must be enabled in the settings menu
selected items can be pasted in actual, every or selected page. As soon as the actual page is included in the selection, it cannot be pasted on the original position.
Klaus
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ummm global resize would be nice too... take a 1024x768 screen up to 1280x1024 for example with a simple click.. seems a feasable thing to be able to do??? maybe it can allready but i just missed that bit?
and coffee with my burger please! ;) (since im pacing orders)
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Klaus,
OK, can you make it where your Screen Designer can program my VCR??? :)
But, Seriously, spectacular job your doing!!! Any progress on doing the Z level thing then being able to combine them to a single layer bitmap?
Scott
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Hi
@Chris Is the resizing in the screendesigner necessary? When loaded in mach3 and auto screen enlarge is enabled the size is set to the maximum size possible.
@Scott in the last time I didn't have much time for machscreen. I'm still thinking to find a solution which fits in the program structure and is easy to use. But it isn't forgotten yet.
Klaus
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ummm global resize would be nice too... take a 1024x768 screen up to 1280x1024 for example with a simple click.. seems a feasable thing to be able to do??? maybe it can allready but i just missed that bit?
I created all my bitmaps in Photoshop at 1280x1024, but designed the screen at 1024x768. I let Mach3 enlarge it to 1280x1024 and it looks fine. I see no benefit to having the screen designer "enlarge" the screen when mach3 will already do it.
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Thanks Klaus, those are great features you have added. I noticed if I drag select multiple items and hold down shift I can click on one and deselect. To reselect I hold down Ctrl + Shift. Ctrl + Shift will also deselect single items.
If I copy and paste an item, I get the dialog box asking which pages to paste the item in. This is nice :) . I see that if I want to select multiple consecutive pages I just hold down shift and select first and last page number. If I want to select multiple random pages I just hold down Ctrl and select all pages I want to paste to individually. That is very slick Klaus. :)
I too agree that global re-size isn't necessary since Mach will do that. Multi item re-size would be nice IMO but honestly that is almost asking to be spoiled. LOL It really is great as it is now Klaus.
I may be missing something, but the only other 6 things I can think of that would make this program as complete as I can imagine are.
1) Z level ordering (layers) which I realise Brian would need to work with you on this.
2) The ability to edit items from the overview page. √ Done
3) The ability to either copy and paste into a spread sheet all the columns in the overview page or export as a spread sheet. √ Done
4)You have given us the gifts of being able to sort by columns in the overview page and print. These are soooooo useful. If you could apply a filter to the sorting so that you could sort by multiple columns (like in a spread sheet) and then edit items from the list, I can't imagine how powerful that would be.
5) Horizontal Sliders
6) An editable snap to grid.
Klaus, I can't think of the words to say to show my true appreciation for what you have done already.
Thanks so much,
Brett
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I posted this earlier in this thread but it seems that it was either unimportant or got lost. :)
>When editing a screen I usually have Mach3 running as well as the editor and reload the screenset often to check things I have edited.
>
>Using Screen4 this works OK but when using MachScreen, Mach3 is not able to load the graphic elements. BMPs, PNGs, etc.
>
>So I must close MachScreen before checking the layout in Mach3.
>
>This is a bit of a hassle. Is this able to be fixed?
>
>Greg
MachScreen somehow does not let Mach have access to the graphics. Screen4 does not do this.
Greg
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ummm global resize would be nice too... take a 1024x768 screen up to 1280x1024 for example with a simple click.. seems a feasable thing to be able to do??? maybe it can allready but i just missed that bit?
I created all my bitmaps in Photoshop at 1280x1024, but designed the screen at 1024x768. I let Mach3 enlarge it to 1280x1024 and it looks fine. I see no benefit to having the screen designer "enlarge" the screen when mach3 will already do it.
oops let me rephrase
i used those numbers just because they were handy, but in fact when i full screen mach with autoscale screen option on my wide screen it stretches to width and not height, and everything looks screwy with a large white band along the bottom.. figured if i could input a nominal set of numbers and force my screen to a certain size then i could control how my screen would be "skewed" instead of mach? Similarly if i mounted a 7 inch widescreen touch panel against my machine i would have the same scaling issue.
making sense?
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Yes I must confess to being no fan of the "auto screen enlarge" either.
However I would not expect MachScreen to fix that for me.
Better idea to design your screen at the right size in the first place.
Right at the start of a new screen design I work out exactly how much I want to allow for start bar at the bottom, resolution etc.
Because as I said I don't see the "Auto screen enlarge" as a desirable option. Others will disagree. ;D
Greg
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Hi
in Version V1.19.5 I added:
the exportation of the Info view in csv format
the bitmap-files are immediately released
the other wishes I will leave on the todo list and decide later wether to implement it or not. Unless someone discovers a heavy bug, for the next time I will concentrate on an other project.
Klaus
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Thanks Klaus,
I see you added the export button at the bottom of the overview window..... thanks. I can export as a csv now. :) Once I exported, I have tried to open with works database, open office calc (spread sheet) and also tried to save as an xls and open with works and open office. In every case I get the same results. Columns 1 and 2 in the overview view are in coulmns. All other columns are grouped in a third column. I will keep trying but if anyone else can give it a go, let us know if you figure it out. I also noticed I can select all columns and rows in the overview now too. I tried to copy by hitting Ctrl C and then paste into a spread sheet by hitting Ctrl V to see if I could get a spread sheet that way.
Thanks Klaus, This is great and getting better all the time.
Brett
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Open it in Notepad and see if there's a comma between all the values. Sounds like there's only 2 commas per line?
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Hi
the delimiter is semicolon. I tested with office2007 and it looks OK. To me, it looks, that you have to change the delimiter settings in your spreadsheet program. I didn't use comma for delimiter, because comma is part of the strings.
Klaus
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Klaus,
THANK YOU Proffessor!!! For you MOST excellent Work, Let me know if you ever figure out how to do the Z level compression for bitmaps!!
BTW: What is your "PayPal" address, I would like to send you some bucks for your efforts!!
MUCH appreciated
scott
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Hi
I did a test with open office calc. I opened the csv-file and selected in the text-import dialog semicolon instead of comma and it looked OK.
@Scott I'm neither a professor, nor do I want money, thank you for the offer. Your appreciation is thanks enough for me.
Klaus
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Thanks Klaus. If I can do anything for you or to hlep with the Machscreen, let me know. I really appreciate you clearing up the delimiter for me and all of your work.
Brett
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Klaus,
Is there a way you can make it, where when you click to "Add" an object, that it will not appear until you click your left mouse and then it DROPS where you click the mouse?? I have run into the issue that sometimes when you add stuff they "Hide" behind things at the top and it is a pain in the but to remove this or that or move this or that to find it...... it is hard to click on them when they get around other stuff, especially the smaller things like LEDs....
Also: I still get an occasional Crash of the IDE, on my Vista64 system........ I was adding several LEDs about 7 of them, for screen then when I went to get them, and moved stuff so I could get to them, the screen crashed all together...
Thanks, in advance, BTW: Other than those little pestering things, the designer is really Good!!! I have turned out TWO screens to customers with it so far, I really like where you added the XML type propeties page as well.
BTW: Can you make it where you could open up TWO instances and copy and paste from one to the other??
scott
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Hi
actually I wanted to do another project, but on Saturday I got stuck -> lumbago, meaning I have to move very slowly or just sit down. So for the next days I have time again for MachScreen.
@Scott I suppose you want the copy and paste feature, to get pages from one screen to another. You can do that by loading the source screen and copy one page using CTRL A, second step load the destination screen and paste it to the page you want.
Klaus
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Hello again
in version V1.19.6 most of the fields in info view are now editable. You start the editing with a double click on the field you want to edit. Editing is terminated with the ENTER key, or canceled with the ESC key.
When in prog settings enabled, new added objects are inserted on the actual mouse position. Procedure: Select the object, press ADD button, place the mouse cursor to the place you want the object to be inserted and click the left mouse button.
Klaus
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"When in prog settings enabled, new added objects are inserted on the actual mouse position. Procedure: Select the object, press ADD button, place the mouse cursor to the place you want the object to be inserted and click the left mouse button."
"I Luv U man..........., BUT, you STILL cant have my beer!!" THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the place mouse click thing!!!
Copy/paste: I was unaware of the cnt-A for the whole page........ But, I was more thinking lets say you have two designers open, lets say designer one has a screen that has 10 objects you want, so using control key, you go through and select the 10 you want, and hit Copy (or Cnt-C). then click into the other designer, and hit Paste or Cnt-V and those objects appear. If that is too much of a pain in the butt, dont worry about it. Since I can just copy the whole page over, I can just delete the stuff in it I dont want.
Thanks again Klaus, as usual you have gone far, far above and beyond the call of duty, and kindness..........
scott
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Thank you so much Klaus. I will not get to play with it for a few days I don't think but will let you know how it goes as soon as possible.
Thanks agin,
Brett
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Well, I just couldn't wait ;D . Klaus, being able to edit from the overview is great and adds a lot of power IMO. Be able to choose placement of objects your adding in the design view is great too. :)
I noticed 2 things while editing from the overview page.
1) If you expand the columns by dragging them larger so you can read all the info in all columns and you select an item to edit (seems to me this is repeatable if the entire view of the overview page is lager than you cam see without scolling right) the location of the box to edit in is not right on top of existing value. It may be off the page if your working on the far right side of overview page.
2) If you set your y positions so that Y1 is a greater value than Y2 you flip the object. It is perfectly understandable why it does this though. I wonder if instead of haveing X2 and Y2 you had Height and width dimension fields? Maybe just adding those 2 fields to the overview page would be easier and better? What do the rest of you think?
Thanks Klaus, this has been the bright spot in my day..................... again. LOL
Brett
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nice additions man.. that insert at mouse position is a winner :)
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Hey Klaus,
the 19.6 is ALL in German, on the installer............ your info on it says "German version". I dont want to install it, if it will overright my english one.
let me know if it is safe to do so with 19.6.........
scott
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Hi
@Scott that's strange, I tested it and it looks good to me. On the German site is the German and on the English site is the English version. I will put a new version which is checking the info view inputs, and has some small corrections on my homepage in a few minutes.
@Brett are you using a resolution greater then 1280 x 1024? if so, I cannot test, in that case could you please send me a screenshot where the edit field isn't on the right place.
Klaus
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Downloaded MachScreenV1.19.7 English version today. When to help section and found that it is part in German and part in English. Sorry, don't read German.
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Hi dgoddard,
could you please tell me, where you found the German text.
Klaus
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Think I've figured it out. I downloaded the English version, but did not realize that you then have to go to "Settings, Language Selection, English" to display English in all text. Prior to that step headings in "Settings & Help" were in English, but info in German. Using Language Selection under Settings appears to have solved problem. Now to learn how to use the program.
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Just downloaded and installed, language in install was in English but when I open the programme it is all in German, cant see how to change to English :(
Hood
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OK managed to get it in English by just pressing some of the menu tabs the seeing the language options :)
Hood
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Klaus, my res. is 1680 X 1050. Hope the screen shots help. I think you will be able to repeat if you drag any field width out so you have to scoll to see far right and far left of page. It is something in the scrolling I think. You will probably have to scroll the second pic. to see the scrolling issue ;D. It is a pretty big pic. but thought you may need to see the position of the scroll bar in the designer. As in the first pic. I'm sure the editable field is there, I just can't scoll far enough to get to it and it displaces it in all columns. If I could get to it, it could be pretty confusing or mis-leading if you select a value to edit and then it appears to be the value in the column next to it because of location of editable box.
Thanks for looking Klaus,
Brett
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Hi dgoddard,
could you please tell me, where you found the German text.
Klaus
Klaus,
I'm not dgoddard, but perhaps these annotated pics will help...
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Hi
in version V1.19.8 I changed the static text to multilingual, corrected the miss spelling, fixed the info view issue problem and fixed the language setting behaviour at first start.
@RogerPerto in your screenshots you marked the close button on the property dialog as INOP, this is done on purpose, if want to terminate the program, you have to use the main menu exit item, or the close button of the main window.
Klaus
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i had the German thing happen on my installs too.. would install and run in English once but on next restart it would all be German.. im lucky i speak Afrikaans so figuring out where to change back to English was easy :)
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like the other guys here im happy to support your effort.. please post a paypal and i will give what i can?
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could you please tell me, where you found the German text.
One little item still looks to be in German
Greg
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Hi Greg
I corrected that but I don't want make a new version, just because of that. "Benutzer definiert" means "user defined".
Klaus
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Klause
No worries I looked it up in a German dictionary. ;D
Don't remember this happening on earlier versions.
When using the frame view, it looks like it does not start at 0,0 or top left corner.
In about five pixels from the left and down one or two from the top.
Greg
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Hi
in version v1.20 I changed the static texts into multilingual text and corrected the frame position. My back is better again and I can move and walk again, so I can continue my work on my CNC controller. If you find something really annoying, please tell me.
Klaus
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i hate the way customers always change design parameters AFTER you already pathed a job... can you fix that?
;)
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Hi Chris
if you want your screen password protected, you have to get in touch with artsoft.
Klaus
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So who's doing the video tutorial? ;D
Dave
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Screen 5 is here, it would appear........
scott
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Klaus,
Found a few more "Bugs" if you will........
1). I cannot "save" or "Save as" a file with evil Windows Vista 64 bit.
2). I cannot copy and then paste into higher pages, I am in pages 20+ and for some reason it will not paste there. (also see 3 below).
3). Is there any way that you can make it where you can click on an object then hit the Keys "Ctr + C", and then "Ctr + V" and have it
past slightly lower and to the right of the current object with the copied object (like Screen3 and 4 does), WITHOUT having to go through the
Questionare dialog everytime you want to copy paste something.
4). Can you make it in the Object dialog properties box, that you can copy and paste INTO the box. For instance, If I have UserLabel1, 2, and 3, I can copy
UserLabel and then when I create the copies of the object above, I can click and paste it into the "text box" and then just add the number, must faster
than having to retype the same thing, over, and over again. Also, the things in the property boxes, can you make it where they will stay there?
What I mean by this is: Lets say you put something in a property box, and then you click on some other object on your screen cause you forgot what you put
on that last one. When you go back to the properties box after clicking out of it. When you click back in the whole words turn blue, there is no way to just put
the cursor at that end of that word and continue with what you where doing. you have to retype it all. (kinda back to the property of being able to copy/paste in a way).
5). Is there any way you can add a way to put Multiple lines on a Button??? (that may be an internal mach thing, dont know).
6). Is there any way you could add a "Check box" next to your "Add" object button that when checked would drop an object over and over again, for each click of the mouse.
so for instance, if you wanted to put 20 LEDs, you could tick the box, and then where ever you would left clidk with the mouse on the screen, it would drop an LED. When
it was UN checked then you would only get ONE drop per click then you have to go and re hit the ADD button for the next object (like it does now).
7). I guess this one here would be a "Want" instead of a need. On the VB entry, is there any way that, that could be made a large BOX that would take multiple lines, (like in
screen3), that way you can scroll up and down to look at code you have Higher up, (or lower down), and see complete chunks of it at a time. It is kinda hard to "Bug chase"
on a single line.
scott
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Hi Scott,
this is a really big list. If I remember well, Brian is working an an Screen4. Does it make sense, to put more work into MachScreen?. If so, I'll gladly make more changes and fixings.
Klaus
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Hi Scott,
I have a view questions and comments about your list.
1) do get an error message (what message), or is your file just not saved?
2) this is a bug and will be fixed
3) this questionnaire dialog was added because of the request to insert objects in more / different pages. Do you have suggestions, how to do this in another way?
4) When you double click the text, the whole text is selected, with the arrow key right, the text is deselected and the cursor is put at the end can be edited.
5) Mach does not handle multiple lines
6) If MachScreen is of interest for you and others after the new release of Mach4, I will implement that
7) Do you mean the frame size of the edit window?
Klaus
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Mach version 4, I suspect reality will be a Stable (usable release) wont be ready till the end of the year. Like all things the first releases that are earlier than that will be bug chases for a while.......... so, until then.......... (also, Mabey you can ask Brian if YOU can do the Screen designer for Mach version 4, you obviously have the talent for it!!).
On to your questions, or my questions.......
1). Not when I hit "Save or Save As" the Basic Window outline pops up, but it is blank, nothing at all within the boarders and it hangs so bad I have to kill it with the "task manager".
I get no errors........ since it just hangs........
2). Thanks.
3). Yes, perhaps put a "check box" that when it is checked, when you copy an object "Ctr + C", you can then just hit the Paste "Ctr + V" and it will drop the object right next to the object your copying, (look at screen 3 or 4, click on an object, hit "Ctr + C", then "Ctr + V" and you will see what I am asking for.
4). Ok, BUT, can you make it where you can copy the text out of the parameters, so that if you want a simular object, you can then paste that text into the parameter and modify
it slightly to the changes you want on the copied object. (Basically the ability to copy and paste stuff into and out of the Properties dialog window, any one of the properties).
Further, can you make it where when you Single click one of theproperty boxs of the object it will highlight all, BUT if you double click it will insert the cursor at the end or where your double clicking at.
5). Figured that to be true, perhaps you can ask Brian again........ if you can do the Screen designer for version 4, (and have stuff like Multiple lines on Buttons, labels, and add a Horizontal slider).
6). Is there ANY way you would consider adding that feature now? It is VERY, usefull since you often have to put multiples of things on a screen like DROS, LEDs, labels, buttons, etc., arrange them, then get to editing what they do. it is a MAJOR time saver.
7). Forget this one, I screwed up................. sorry..........
Thank you Klaus, again for your time and kindness. I KNOW what a pain in the ass this kinda stuff is. I am VERY gratefull for your work!!!
The biggest BUG that is the show stopper is it NOT saving the Screen set Under Vista 64!!! I had to buy a new laptop and the only option was 64, I had spend about two hours on a screen set, when to save it an BOOM, it all blew up and I lost my work.......... :(
Scott
5).
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Hi Scott,
I'm a bit of helpless, because of your "save" problem. I've tested on Vista 32bit, Windows 7 64 bit and couldn't reproduce your problem. Unfortunately I don't have a Vista 64bit system for testing. Did the "save" function ever work on your Vista 64bit system? Had anyone else the same problem?
Klaus
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I found a work around.
I set the program to run as Compatability mode of Windows Vista 32 and it is saving now.
Would you be willing to address the other issues above?
scott
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Hi Scott
yes I will try
Klaus
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Hi Scott,
about the multiple add issue.
To insert multiple obj at the moment(version1.24) you just keep the "ctrl" key down and place as many objects at the mouse pointer position, as long you as you keep "ctrl" key down. You mean this not very usefull and want a checkbox in the property dialog, do I understand that right?
Klaus
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HA!!!!!!!!
NOPE that is Exactly what I want!!!!!!!!! I am sorry! I was unaware of the ability to hold down the Control Key, to do multiple drops where I am clicking. that is perfect!!!
You probably DID tell me/us about it, but for what ever reason, I must have missed the thread.
#2). You had said that it was a bug, and would be fixed, any idea of an ETA on the new fixed version?
#4). The ability to copy out of, and copy into Text (strings), into/outof the Parameter boxes of the objects?
Thanks,
again,
scott
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Hi Scott,
I'm working on it, it'll take probably another day.
Klaus
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Hi,
Version V1.25.0 can be downloaded from my site.
I fixed the "paste in higher page numbers" problem.
Added a new checkbox "Pos selection" in the property dialog. When this checkbox is set and ctrl V is pressed, a dialog appears asking how to paste (actual, all, or selected pages) on original position, or from upper left to lower right positions. If unchecked the selected obj. is pasted into the actual page from upper left to lower down positions.
Added copy and paste feature of edit fields within the property dialog.
Klaus
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Thanks Klaus!!!!!!
Brett
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Hi Klaus,
A few dumb questions if I may, I went to page 60, I added 3 buttons, so how do I
1). copy the text out of the properties box, could not figure out how to highlight it to copy it.?
2). How do I paste it into another buttons box tried to highlight then delete, then hit Ctr-V and couldnt paste into it?
3). If I leave the properties box, how do I get my cursor to get back at the end of the words I have already put in there
without it erasing the letters?
Scott
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Hi Scott,
1) go to page with source text, select object, doubleclick the text to copy in the property dialog (background color changes to blue) press ctrl C.
2) go to page where you want to paste the text, select object, doubleclick the text where to insert the new text (background color changes to blue) press ctrl V.
3) doubleclick the text you want to edit, press cursor right key.
If this doesn't work, please tell me.
Klaus
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As Usual, you fixed it!!!
Thank You ONCE AGAIN!!!!!
Scott
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Hey all
I released version 1.26. Here some info's about v1.26
Additional checkboxes and settings in options -> settings generic prog settings.
1) "Use larger font edit fields". When checked, the text is shown with a slightly larger font.
2) "Set edit text selected". When checked, the whole text is selected at first double click.
3) When in edit field "cycle time" a value > 0 is entered, the actual data is stored cyclic. In case of an abnormal termination of the program at next start, a messag box asks whether to reload, or ignore this stored data. The value must be between 0 and 2880. Important ! This cyclic storage doesn't work when a "New" design is started, you have to execute the "save", or "save as" command, in order to enable this feature.
The cursor can now be positioned within the edit field by the mouse.
New menu item options -> "Set MachScreen as default screen editor" added. Meaning, if MachScreen is not running, double clicking a set-file with the explorer, starts MachScreen and loads the set-file.
When a larger number of objects were selected with the rubberband, the selection could get scrumbled, fixed
Klaus
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Thanks Klaus. Your great.
Brett
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in the english vesion there is a button that as not been translated under setting/language tab button is called ''alle''
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Danke Schön Klaus!
Is there a trick to use the "multiple select" drag box? (left click and hold)
Am I doing something wrong or it is not 100% yet?
thanks,
francis
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Hey Francis,
to throw the rubberband around objects, the starting point must lie outside of any object, otherwise you would select the smallest object hit by the mouse. If you selected unwanted objects by doing so, you can deselect them, by holding down the shift key an clicking each unwanted object.
Klaus
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Just wanted to add a few things that Klaus forgot to mention that he added or fixed.
you can un tick the "Pos Selection", and then when you copy a Single or group of items and go to another page, or even the same
page, you can just hit "Cntr-V" and it will paste it, in the exact same location as the original (OR, you can go into options and set, a
X and Y pasting offset if you wish!!! per paste you do!!!), no dialogs pop up this way asking what you want to do on each paste.
Also, he added a "Select only objects that are fully in the select box", this is a Great addition, i.e. if you have many objects on top
of a bit map, you can now from outside the bit map, run your select box in and surround the objects you want, Without the bit map also
being selected.
scott
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Hi Scott,
A quick one-off question for you. Is it possible to make a macro that will zero an axis dro from within a gcode program, without moving the axis?
Larry