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___________________________
A U T O - M A T E
Version 2.4
___________________________
Kurtis J. Jones
1748 North Oakland
Fayetteville, AR 72703
10 November 1991
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991 by -Mate Software
A U T O - M A T E Version 2.4
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991 by -Mate Software
__________________________________________
Unmodified copies of this program and the accompanying
documentation may be made and distributed freely without charge.
Under no circumstances shall this program or the accompanying
documentation be distributed as part of any for-profit venture,
without expressed written permission from the author.
AUTO-MATE is distributed as shareware. If you find this
software has any value to you, or if you use this software on a
regular basis, please register your copy of AUTO-MATE by completing
the order form at the end of this documentation.
Please address any questions or comments you may have about this
software to:
Kurtis J. Jones
1748 North Oakland
Fayetteville, AR 72703
I may also be reached via THE SPECTRUM BBS (501) 521-5639. All first-
time callers to THE SPECTRUM BBS are given full upload/download
privileges.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY:
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF
PURPOSE. THE USER OF THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ASSUMES ALL RISKS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
__________________
Description Page
----------- ----
Introduction ............................................... 1
Limited Evaluation Version ................................. 1
License Information ........................................ 1
Changes in version 2.0+ .................................... 2
Included Files ............................................. 3
Summary of Functions ....................................... 3
Updating AUTO-MATE ......................................... 3
Setup and Configuration .................................... 4
Running Alternate CAD Programs ............................. 5
Running AUTO-MATE with SHROOM ............................. 6
Automatic Installation ..................................... 6
Running AUTO-MATE .......................................... 7
Mouse Conventions .......................................... 7
Using AUTO-MATE in Shell Mode .............................. 8
Running AutoCAD ............................................ 9
Plotting a Drawing ......................................... 9
AutoCAD Configurations ..................................... 10
Moving Around inside AUTO-MATE ............................. 10
Adding File Descriptions ................................... 11
Printer Output ............................................. 11
Renaming Drawing Files ..................................... 11
Tagging Drawing Files ...................................... 12
Moving Drawing Files ....................................... 12
Deleting Drawing Files ..................................... 12
Copying Drawing Files ...................................... 12
Compressing Drawing Files .................................. 13
Locating a Drawing File .................................... 14
Shelling to DOS ............................................ 14
Exiting AUTO-MATE .......................................... 14
Sample Installation Setups ................................. 15
Registration Form .......................................... 16
INTRODUCTION:
_____________
AUTO-MATE is a menu/file management system which allows the user
to select an AutoCAD drawing file from a menu and run AutoCAD with the
selected drawing file automatically. AUTO-MATE will also work as a
front end for several other CAD packages that use the ".DWG" drawing
file extension, and can be invoked with a drawing file piped at the
command line. See the "RUNNING ALTERNATE CAD PROGRAMS" section in this
manual.
Also included are several file management functions, and the
ability to add up to two lines of text describing a drawing file or
directory listed by AUTO-MATE.
The latest version of AUTO-MATE can be found on the following
BBS's:
The Spectrum BBS (501) 521-5639 (SysOp - Kurtis Jones)
The Razorback BBS (501) 756-0335 (SysOp - William Stewart)
LIMITED EVALUATION VERSION:
___________________________
The limited evaluation version of AUTO-MATE is denoted by a
small "e" after the version number and the words "EVALUATION COPY"
in the serial number location on the title screen. The limited
version of AUTO-MATE is identical to the full registered version of
AUTO-MATE with one exception. The limited version of AUTO-MATE is
capable of handling only 10 drawing files per sub-directory, while
the full registered version is capable of handling up to 525 drawing
files per sub-directory.
A registration form is included at the end of this documentation
for users who wish to obtain the registered version of AUTO-MATE.
Please make all checks payable to "Kurtis J. Jones".
LICENSE INFORMATION:
____________________
AUTO-MATE may be purchased in either the single user format or
the site licensed format. Users who purchase the single user version
of AUTO-MATE may legally use the program on only one computer system
per purchased copy at a time. Users who purchase the site licensed
version of AUTO-MATE may use the program on multiple computer systems
at that particular installation site.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -1-
CHANGES IN VERSION 2.0+:
________________________
Version 2.0+ of AUTO-MATE represents a complete re-working of the
program, which I hope you will find to be a major improvement over the
previous versions of AUTO-MATE. The following is a brief list of the
differences between AUTO-MATE version 1.28 and AUTO-MATE version 2.0+.
o AUTO-MATE v2.0+ supports a Microsoft compatible mouse.
o The title block information database has been left out of AUTO-
MATE v2.0+.
o The AUTO-MATE display has been given a complete "face-lift" in
AUTO-MATE v2.0+.
o AUTO-MATE v2.0+ is MUCH faster than AUTO-MATE v1.28.
o The external file security program option has been removed in
AUTO-MATE v2.0+.
o AUTO-MATE v2.0+ will work as a shell from AutoCAD.
o The maximum file description size has been reduced from four
lines of text to two lines in AUTO-MATE v2.0+.
o The keystroke commands have been changed to "make more since"
to the user (IE: "D" is now "DELETE", "M" is "MOVE", etc.).
Though I've removed several potentially useful features from
AUTO-MATE, I feel that the removed features resulted in more problems
than benefits and that AUTO-MATE v2.0+ is a far superior program to its
predecessor, AUTO-MATE v1.28. I have also found that most users
seldom used the features that have been removed. If, however, you
feel that you must have one or more of the removed features, send me a
note. If the response is great enough, I'll include one or more of
the removed features in the next update of AUTO-MATE.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -2-
INCLUDED FILES:
_______________
The following files should be included in the archive file
downloaded, or on the distribution diskette:
AUTOMATE.EXE
AUTOMATE.DOC
AUTOMATE.CFG
AUTO.BAT
AMATECFG.EXE
INSTALL.EXE
README.DOC
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:
_____________________
The following is a brief summary of AUTO-MATE's functions:
Enter - Executes AutoCAD and automatically loads the highlighted
drawing file, or if pressed when a directory is
highlighted, changes the current directory to that
directory.
Space - Begin a new AutoCAD drawing.
T - Tags highlighted drawing file.
P - Executes AutoCAD and plots highlighted drawing file.
I - Prints all descriptions for the current directory.
E - Enables a description to be added to the highlighted
drawing file or directory.
Esc - Exits AUTO-MATE.
G - Logs a new directory or drive.
C - Copy highlighted or tagged drawing file(s).
M - Moves the highlighted or tagged drawing file(s) to
another directory.
D - Delete's highlighted or tagged drawing file(s).
R - Renames the highlighted drawing file.
L - Runs external file location program (locates file).
Z - Runs external compression program (compresses file).
/ - Set AutoCAD configuration.
S - Shells to DOS (type 'EXIT' to return to AUTO-MATE).
UPDATING AUTO-MATE:
___________________
If you are currently using a version of AUTO-MATE prior to version
2.0, you should delete all files associated with AUTO-MATE, and
reinstall AUTO-MATE from scratch. If you are updating from AUTO-MATE
version 2.0 or later, you should copy the following files into the
directory that you currently have AUTO-MATE installed under:
AUTO.BAT
AUTOMATE.EXE
AMATECFG.EXE
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -3-
If you use the AUTO-MATE shell mode, you must also add the following
line to the beginning of the AUTO-MATE shell mode command, after the
"defun c:auto()" statement in your ACAD.LSP file:
(command "SCRIPT" "C:/AUTOMATE/$dummy$")
"C:/AUTOMATE" in the above line should be changed to match the
directory in which AUTO-MATE is installed.
Current users of AUTO-MATE should also note that the default AUTO-
MATE directory has been changed from "C:\ACAD" to "C:\AUTOMATE".
Therefore, if you have AUTO-MATE installed in the directory "C:\ACAD",
and whish to leave it there, you must now set the environmental
variable "AMATE" to "C:\ACAD" (IE: SET AMATE=C:\ACAD). The
environmental variable is not required if AUTO-MATE is installed in
"C:\AUTOMATE".
AUTO-MATE should now be network compatible for users who use
AutoCAD on a networked system; however, AUTO-MATE has not been fully
tested on such a system. In order for the current version to work
properly, you must make a small change in the file AUTO.BAT. See the
section on installing AUTO-MATE for details.
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION:
________________________
The files AUTO.BAT, AUTOMATE.EXE, and AUTOMATE.CFG are needed
to run AUTO-MATE. AUTO.BAT and AUTOMATE.EXE may be copied into any
directory on your machine's DOS path; however, if AUTOMATE.CFG is
placed in any directory other than "C:\AUTOMATE", then the
environmental variable "AMATE" must be set to the directory in which
AUTOMATE.CFG is placed. For example, if AUTOMATE.CFG is placed in a
directory "C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE", then "AMATE" must be set using the DOS
"SET" command, "SET AMATE=C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE". This command can be added
to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, or it can be added to AUTO.BAT.
AUTOMATE.CFG contains the setup information for running AutoCAD
under different start up configurations and the configuration data
necessary to run the external programs supported by AUTO-MATE. A
typical example of the file follows:
2 ;Number of AutoCAD configurations
CONFIGURATION 1 ;Title for first configuration
SET ACAD=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACAD' variable
SET ACADCFG=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACADCFG' variable
CONFIGURATION 2 ;Title for first configuration
SET ACAD=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACAD' variable
SET ACADCFG=C:\ACAD\CFG ;Config. #1, 'ACADCFG' variable
ARCHIVE ;Next line is compress program
C:\UTILITY\PKZIP.EXE ;Compress program
UNARCHIVE ;Next line is uncompress program
C:\UTILITY\PKUNZIP.EXE ;Uncompress program
LOCATE ;Next line is file finder program
C:\UTILITY\FFF.EXE ;File finder program
SHELL ;Next line is the optional shell program
C:\UTILITY\[filename.ext];Optional shell program
SORTON ;Sort files alphabetically
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -4-
The AutoCAD configuration settings may be changed from within
AUTO-MATE; however, all other settings need to be changed in the
AUTOMATE.CFG file using an ASCII text editor or the included
program, AMATECFG.EXE. Before AMATECFG.EXE will work properly, the
environmental variable "AMATE" must be set correctly, or the file
AUTOMATE.CFG must be in the directory "C:\AUTOMATE" (see above). The
compression, and file finder programs are not included with AUTO-MATE,
and must be obtained separately. A list of programs that are known to
work with AUTO-MATE is included in the sections covering the "LOCATE",
and "COMPRESS" commands. A more complete description of the optional
shell program can be found under the "SHELLING TO DOS" section.
RUNNING ALTERNATE CAD PROGRAMS:
_______________________________
New to AUTO-MATE is the ability to function as a front end for a
variety of CAD programs other than AutoCAD. AUTO-MATE should work with
any CAD program which can automatically load a drawing file piped at
the command line. For example:
CAD C:\DRAWINGS\FILE
Where "CAD" is the name of the CAD program, and "C:\DRAWINGS\FILE" is
the complete path\filename (w/o extension) of the drawing file.
In order to enable the alternate CAD program mode in AUTO-MATE,
and tell AUTO-MATE the name of the executable file for your CAD
program, you must use an ASCII text editor (such as EDLIN), and make
a small change to the file AUTO.BAT. Simply add the full path and name
of your CAD executable file, preceded by a "*", after the word
"AUTOMATE" in AUTO.BAT. The following is an example of a AUTO.BAT file
designed to run Drafix CAD located in a directory named "C:\DFX":
echo off
automate *C:\DFX\DFX
if exist c:\automate\$aslect$.bat $aslect$
Where "C:\DFX\DFX" is the complete path/filename for the Drafix CAD
executable file.
Very limited testing has been done using AUTO-MATE in the
alternate CAD program mode. Other than AutoCAD, AUTO-MATE has only
been tested with the following CAD programs:
Drafix CAD
Graphic CAD
Also note that several features available in the normal mode of
AUTO-MATE are either AutoCAD specific, or unavailable in the alternate
CAD program mode of AUTO-MATE. The following is a list of options or
commands not available in the alternate CAD program mode of AUTO-MATE:
o The "PLOT" command is not available.
o The "SHELL MODE" is not available.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -5-
o The "CONFIGURE" command is still available; however, it may or
may not be very useful, since it was originally designed as a
way to set the AutoCAD environmental variables before entering
AutoCAD.
RUNNING AUTO-MATE WITH SHROOM:
______________________________
AUTO-MATE can now take advantage of SHROOM, included with release
11 of AutoCAD. In order to run AUTO-MATE with SHROOM, you must use an
ASCII text editor (such as EDLIN) and make a small change to the file
AUTO.BAT. Simply add "SHROOM [-s paths]" after the word "AUTOMATE " in
AUTO.BAT. The "-s paths" statement is optional. Consult the
documentation included with SHROOM for more information concerning its
use. The following is an example of an AUTO.BAT file designed to load
SHROOM:
echo off
automate SHROOM
if exist c:\automate\$aslect$.bat $aslect$
You may also specify an alternate name for ACAD.EXE using this
option. The default name that AUTO-MATE uses to run AutoCAD is "ACAD";
however, if for some reason you wish to specify the full path to your
AutoCAD executible file, you may enter it after "AUTOMATE" in the
AUTO.BAT file. The following is an example of an AUTO.BAT file
illustrating this option:
echo off
automate C:\AUTOCAD\ACAD
if exist c:\automate\$aslect$.bat $aslect$
Where "C:\AUTOCAD\ACAD" is the full path and name of the AutoCAD
executible file.
AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION:
_______________________
In order to simplify the installation process, an installation
program, INSTALL.EXE, has been included. When executed, the
installation program will prompt you for all the information necessary
to install AUTO-MATE on your system, and optionally copy the required
files from a distribution disk to the directory of your choice. If
the directory that you enter does not exist, the installation program
will create it (if possible). The installation program also asks you if
you want to modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to include the commands
necessary for AUTO-MATE to function properly. This includes adding
the directory you have chosen to install AUTO-MATE on to the "PATH"
command, and adding the "SET AMATE=" command. Please note, however,
that if the intended directory is already in your AUTOEXEC.BAT "PATH"
command, you should answer "no" to the installation program's "PATH"
prompt. Additionally, the "SET AMATE=" command is not needed if you
are installing AUTO-MATE to the directory "C:\AUTOMATE".
The installation program also makes a small change to the file
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -6-
AUTO.BAT if you are installing AUTO-MATE to a directory other than
"C:\AUTOMATE". If you do not use the automatic installation program,
you must manually make this change using an ASCII text editor. The
line in the file AUTO.BAT that must be changed reads:
if exist C:\AUTOMATE\$aslect$.bat $aslect$
You must change "C:\AUTOMATE" to the name of the drive\directory where
you have installed AUTO-MATE.
If you wish to use AUTO-MATE as a shell from AutoCAD, you may
have the install program add the necessary commands to your ACAD.LSP
and ACAD.PGP files. Once configured properly, the shell option will
allow you to run AUTO-MATE as a shell from AutoCAD without actually
exiting AutoCAD each time you change drawing files. However, in the
current version of AUTO-MATE, you are not able to change the AutoCAD
configuration via the [/] key. Additionally, compressed (.ZWG) drawing
files that are edited will not be re-compressed after they are quit or
ended. Also included in the installation program is the option to add
the AutoCAD commands "Q" (Complete Quit) and "E" (Complete End) to
your ACAD.LSP file. If this option is selected, then the installation
program will create two small AutoCAD script files in your AutoCAD
directory ($QUIT$.SCR and $END$.SCR), and add the LISP commands "Q"
and "E" to your ACAD.LSP file. The commands "Q" and "E" simply allow
you to completely exit AutoCAD and return to AUTO-MATE without having
to enter a "0" at the AutoCAD main menu screen after ending or
quitting an AutoCAD drawing.
NOTE:
You should always make backup copies of your AUTOEXEC.BAT,
ACAD.LSP, and ACAD.PGP files before using the installation program
RUNNING AUTO-MATE:
__________________
AUTO-MATE is extremely simple to use. Simply follow the above
installation procedure and re-boot your computer if any changes were
made to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. To run AUTO-MATE simply type "AUTO"
and press [Enter]. The program will open with a title screen, then
a listing of all drawing files and sub-directories under the current
directory will be displayed. Use the cursor keys to highlight the
different drawing files or directories. If more than 15 drawing files
and sub-directories exist in the current directory, the remaining may
be accessed by continuing to cursor down once you have reached the
bottom of the display list.
Pertinent disk information is displayed in a box to the right of
the screen which includes the current drive, directory, number of
drawing files, free space on the current drive, and the selected
configuration (if any).
MOUSE CONVENTIONS:
__________________
AUTO-MATE supports a Microsoft compatible two-button mouse, and
all AUTO-MATE commands may be accessed using a mouse. AUTO-MATE
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -7-
commands are accessed with the mouse by positioning the mouse cursor
on the desired command in the lower portion of the screen and pressing
the left mouse button. You may also edit a drawing or change
directories by positioning the mouse cursor on the desired drawing
file or sub-directory and pressing the left mouse button. You may
simply highlight a drawing file or sub-directory by positioning the
mouse cursor on the drawing file or sub-directory and pressing the
right button. Positioning the mouse cursor on a highlighted drawing
file and pressing the right mouse button will also tag or untag the
highlighted drawing file depending on the file's current tag status.
Additionally, the mouse may be used to answer "yes" or "no" at
all applicable prompts. The left mouse button represents "yes", and
the right mouse button represents "no". Pressing either mouse button
also satisfies the "Press any key" prompt.
In order to use the mouse to scroll through the current directory
listing, you may use the mouse bar located to the right of the
file display area. Positioning the mouse somewhere along the bar and
pressing the left mouse button will move the file display window to an
area in the directory listing proportional to the location of the
mouse cursor on the mouse bar. You may also step up or down the
directory listing by positioning the mouse cursor over either the "up"
or "down" arrows at either end of the mouse bar and pressing the left
mouse button.
USING AUTO-MATE IN SHELL MODE:
______________________________
AUTO-MATE may also be run as a shell from AutoCAD; however,
certain changes must be made to your ACAD.PGP file and your ACAD.LSP
files. The required changes are listed below and may be made manually
or by the included AUTO-MATE installation program.
ACAD.PGP:
---------
Add The following line to your ACAD.PGP file:
"AMATE,AUTOMATE S,240000,,0"
ACAD.LSP:
---------
Add the following lines to your ACAD.LSP file:
"(defun c:AUTO ()
(command "SCRIPT" "C:/AUTOMATE/$DUMMY$")
(setq ans (getstring "\nSave current drawing [Y/n]? "))
(if (and (/= ans "n")(/= ans "N"))
(command "save" "")
)
(command "AMATE")
(command "SCRIPT" "C:/AUTOMATE/$AUTO$")
)"
NOTE: "C:/ACAD/$AUTO$" and "C:/AUTOMATE/$DUMMY$" in the above
AutoLISP routine should be modified to match the directory
that you installed AUTO-MATE in. If the installation
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -8-
program is used, this is taken care of automatically.
Once the above additions have been made to the ACAD.PGP and ACAD.LSP
files, the shell version of AUTO-MATE may be invoked at any time from
the AutoCAD editor by typing "AUTO" and pressing [Enter].
Please note that the limitations mentioned under the "AUTOMATIC
INSTALLATION" section apply to the shell mode of AUTO-MATE.
RUNNING AUTOCAD:
________________
To run AutoCAD with the highlighted drawing file, simply press
[Enter]. AutoCAD will run, and the selected drawing file will
automatically be loaded. Once the drawing is ended or quit, and
AutoCAD is exited, AUTO-MATE will automatically run again. To run
AutoCAD without a selected drawing file (begin a new drawing),
press the space bar at anytime. AUTO-MATE will then prompt you for a
drawing name. You may enter up to 9 characters for the name at this
point if you choose which could include 8 characters for the drawing
name and an "=" at the end (see AutoCAD), or you may leave the name
blank by simply pressing [Enter] and then enter the name in the
AutoCAD menu screen.
PLOTTING A DRAWING:
___________________
The AUTO-MATE "plot" command loads AutoCAD with the highlighted
file and selects either option [3]( - Plot) or [4]( -Printer Plot) from
the AutoCAD main menu screen. To plot the highlighted drawing file,
press "P", and AUTO-MATE will ask you if you want a 'Pen plot' or a
'Printer plot'. If you select a 'Pen Plot', you will also have the
option of specifying certain AutoCAD plot parameters. AUTO-MATE will
automatically send the parameters entered in the "Plot Info" window to
AutoCAD, and exit AutoCAD after the plot is completed. The plot
parameters entered for a particular AutoCAD drawing file in AUTO-MATE
are stored in the DWG-INFO.TXT file (see "ADDING FILE DESCRIPTIONS").
Therefore, those parameters will remain available for that particular
drawing if it is renamed, moved, or copied using the AUTO-MATE
"RENAME', "MOVE", or "COPY" commands.
All of the parameters listed in the AUTO-MATE "Plot Info" window
except the "Additional Command" parameter correspond directly to
AutoCAD plot parameters, and are discussed in detail in the AutoCAD
Reference Manual. The "Additional command" parameter is included to
continue after interruptions in the plot sequence such as the "Plot
exceeds specified size" error. A "Y" placed in this parameter will
enable the plot to continue in this situation. Under most
circumstances, you should leave this parameter blank. All other plot
parameters may also be left blank, in which case the default AutoCAD
plot parameter will be used. The "Plot file" parameter is only used
when the drawing is being plotted to a file.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -9-
AUTOCAD CONFIGURATIONS:
_______________________
Several different AutoCAD configurations may be created and
saved using AutoCAD, as long as each configuration was created and
saved in a unique directory. AUTO-MATE has a feature which lets you
change the current AutoCAD configuration to one previously created
through AutoCAD. To enable this feature, press the foward-slash [/]
key, and a list of current configurations will appear. to change the
current AutoCAD configuration, highlight the desired configuration and
press [Enter].
AUTO-MATE comes with two example configurations which are
stored in the AUTOMATE.CFG file; however, these will not work on
your system unless you have previously set these configurations
using AutoCAD.
To add a new configuration, press the [A] key. A window will
then appear prompting you for the name of the new configuration and
the "ACAD" and "ACADCFG" environmental variables . The environmental
variable "ACAD" will usually need to be set equal to the path under
which your AutoCAD program files reside. This is usually "C:\ACAD".
The variable "ACADCFG" is set to the path where the AutoCAD
configuration files are kept. If you are creating a new
configuration, you will have to select the new configuration by
pressing [Enter] once you have entered it into AUTO-MATE, and then
press the space bar to execute AutoCAD. AutoCAD will tell you that
AutoCAD has not yet been configured, and then prompt you for the
required configuration information. (Consult your AutoCAD Reference
Manual for more information on AutoCAD configurations).
When adding a new AutoCAD configuration, you must first create
the necessary DOS directory that you wish to place the new AutoCAD
configuration files in. AUTO-MATE does not create the configuration
information for AutoCAD, nor does it create the necessary DOS
directories. AUTO-MATE simply sets the required environmental
variables which "point" to the pre-defined configurations.
Once the foward-slash [/] key has been pressed, the user also
has the option of deleting or editing an existing configuration.
MOVING AROUND INSIDE AUTO-MATE:
_______________________________
Once inside AUTO-MATE, there are two ways in which you can
move to different directories. If you wish to change the current
drive, you must press [G] and type in the new drive specification
at the prompt. You may also type in a complete drive and path
specification at the prompt.
You may move around through the directory structure on the
current drive by highlighting the new directory in the file listing
window and pressing [Enter]. Directories are indicated in the file
display window by a "
order to "step back" one directory simply highlight the ".." listing
and press [Enter]. This has the same affect as typing "cd .." at
the DOS prompt.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -10-
ADDING FILE DESCRIPTIONS:
_________________________
A description of up to two lines may be added to any drawing file
or sub-directory displayed by AUTO-MATE. To add a description to a
file or sub-directory, simply highlight the desired file or sub-
directory and press [E]. A cursor will appear in the file description
area near the bottom of the screen. You may then simply type an
appropriate description in. Pressing [Enter] terminates and saves the
description while pressing the [Esc] key exits without saving any
changes that have been made to the file description. Once a
description has been entered for a file or sub-directory, the
description will be displayed whenever the file or sub-directory is
highlighted.
When a description is added in AUTO-MATE, the program creates
a file in the current directory named DWG-INFO.TXT if one has not
already been created. This file stores all of the file and
sub-directory descriptions for the current directory, and is
automatically updated as new descriptions are added. When a
drawing file is renamed, moved, or copied using the AUTO-MATE
"RENAME", "MOVE", or "COPY" commands, the file description stays
with the new file. For example, if a file is moved from a
directory named "c:\files" to a directory named "c:\drawings" using
the AUTO-MATE "MOVE" command, the DWG-INFO.TXT file in the directory
"c:\drawings" would be updated to include the description for the
file being moved into that directory. More information about
manipulating files can be found under the following sections.
NOTE:
DWG-INFO.TXT files created with versions of AUTO-MATE prior to
version 1.20 are not compatible with the newer version. In order
to use your existing DWG-INFO.TXT files, you must use an ASCII text
editor to add a " DWG" to the end of each drawing file name in the
DWG-INFO.TXT file. Also, file descriptions created with versions of
AUTO-MATE prior to version 2.0 will be truncated at 78 characters.
PRINTER OUTPUT:
_______________
The drawing file descriptions for the current directory may be
printed by pressing [I]. The printout will be formatted in 66 line
pages with the page number for each page along with the total number
of pages in the printout printed in the upper-right corner of each
page. All drawing files and sub-directories listed in the current
directory will be included in the printout, regardless of whether or
not they have a description.
RENAMING DRAWING FILES:
_______________________
AUTO-MATE includes a function for renaming a selected drawing
file, while maintaining that file's AUTO-MATE description. To
rename a drawing file, highlight the desired file and press [R],
and at the prompt, type in the new file name. The file name must
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -11-
be a valid AutoCAD drawing file name, and the file extension
(".DWG" or ".ZWG") should not be added. Once the file has been
renamed, the DWG-INFO.TXT file is updated automatically.
When a compressed file is selected to be renamed, AUTO-MATE will
uncompress the file and rename the uncompressed version of the file
also.
TAGGING DRAWING FILES:
______________________
To tag a highlighted drawing file, simply press [T]. A "check-
mark" will be displayed to the left of the drawing file to indicate
that the file is tagged. The current number of tagged files along
with the current size of the tagged files is displayed at the bottom
of the file display window.
MOVING DRAWING FILES:
_____________________
The AUTO-MATE "MOVE" command enables a selected drawing file
or group of tagged drawing files to be moved from the current
directory to any valid directory on the your system. To move a
highlighted drawing file, or a group of tagged files press [M]. A
prompt will be displayed asking for the new directory. The complete
DOS path to the new directory must be entered at the prompt. Once
this has been done, press [Enter] and the selected file(s) will be
moved to the selected drive/directory. The file description
associated with the file(s) being moved will also be moved to the new
directory.
DELETING DRAWING FILES:
_______________________
To delete a highlighted drawing file or group of tagged
drawing files press [D]. A prompt will appear asking you to
confirm that the highlighted or tagged file(s) is to be deleted.
You must answer "y" in order for the file(s) to be deleted. Once a
file is deleted, any file description associated with that file is
also removed from the "DWG-INFO.TXT" file.
COPYING DRAWING FILES:
______________________
The AUTO-MATE "COPY" command works exactly like the "MOVE"
command, only the selected file(s) will not be deleted from the
original directory.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -12-
COMPRESSING DRAWING FILES:
__________________________
AUTO-MATE is capable of using one of the many available file
compression programs to compress or uncompress drawing files. To
activate the file compression program, press [Z]. Once compressed,
drawing files typically take up about half the amount of disk space
that they normally would. AUTO-MATE renames the compressed drawing
file to "filename.ZWG", and deletes the original drawing file. If
for some reason, the compressed file cannot be created, AUTO-MATE
will NOT delete the original drawing file. If compression is
requested on a drawing file that has already been compressed, that
drawing file will be uncompressed, and renamed to "filename.DWG",
and the compressed file will be deleted.
Multiple compressions of tagged drawing files are also
possible. Simply tag the drawing files you wish to compress and
press [C]. AUTO-MATE will use the file compression program to
compress all tagged drawing files with the "DWG" extension, and
uncompress all tagged drawing files with the "ZWG" extension.
A compressed file can still be loaded into AutoCAD through
AUTO-MATE. AUTO-MATE will use the file compression program to
automatically uncompress the drawing file before running AutoCAD,
and once AutoCAD is exited, the drawing file will be automatically
re-compressed.
The following is a list of file compression programs that are
known to work with AUTO-MATE, along with the settings that must be
included in the AUTOMATE.CFG file:
PKZIP PAK
by PKWARE, Inc. by NOGATE CONSULTING
--------------- --------------------
ARCHIVE ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKZIP [drive:][path]PAK A
UNARCHIVE UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKUNZIP [drive:][path]PAK E
PKARC ZOO
by PKWARE, Inc. by Rahul Dhesi
--------------- --------------
ARCHIVE ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKARC [drive:][path]ZOO A
UNARCHIVE UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKXARC [drive:][path]ZOO E
LHAR
by Haruyasu Yoshizaki
---------------------
ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]LHARC A
UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]LHARC A
NOTE:
[drive:] and [path] are not required if the compression
programs are located in a directory on your system's DOS path.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -13-
LOCATING A DRAWING FILE:
________________________
To locate a specified drawing file using an external file
finder program, press [L], and enter the desired filespec at the
prompt. AUTO-MATE will run the file finder program specified in
the AUTOMATE.CFG file under the "LOCATE" heading.
The following is a list of file finder programs that are known
to work with AUTO-MATE, along with the settings that must be
included in the AUTO-MATE.CFG file:
Fullscreen File Finder PKFIND
by Jim Derr by PKWARE, Inc.
---------------------- ---------------
LOCATE LOCATE
[drive:][path]FFF [drive:][path]PKFIND
NOTE:
[drive:] and [path] are not required if the file finder
program is located in a directory on your system's DOS path.
SHELLING TO DOS:
________________
To temporally shell to DOS, press [S], and DOS commands may
be entered. To return to AUTO-MATE, type 'EXIT' and press [Enter]
at the DOS prompt.
Optionally, a shell program may be included in the AUTOMATE.CFG
file. If the name of an optional shell program is found, AUTO-MATE
will run that program with the highlighted drawing file piped to the
optional shell program instead of performing the normal DOS shell.
This option is mainly intended for users who wish to use an external
file viewer with AUTO-MATE, but is not limited to that use. The
optional shell program can be ay program that uses the following
format:
PROGRAM (options) FILENAME.EXT
Where "PROGRAM (options)" is the optional shell program, and
"FILENAME.EXT" is the highlighted drawing file that is piped to the
optional shell program. If the highlighted drawing file is compressed,
AUTO-MATE will uncompress the drawing file before running the optional
shell program, and then re-compress the file before returning from the
shell program.
This option has not been tested extensively, and caution should
be exercised with its use.
EXITING AUTO-MATE:
__________________
To exit AUTO-MATE press [Esc]. AUTO-MATE will exit to DOS in
The current directory, or alternately run the next command in the
AUTO.BAT batch file.
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -14-
SAMPLE INSTALLATION SETUPS:
___________________________
The following is a list of sample installation setups of AUTO-
MATE for users who are having difficulty installing the program.
EXAMPLE #1: AUTO-MATE being installed in "C:\AUTOMATE"
------------------------------------------------------
1. Copy AUTOMATE.EXE, AUTO.BAT, AUTOMATE.CFG and optionally
AMATECFG.EXE to the directory "C:\AUTOMATE".
2. Make sure that the directory "C:\AUTOMATE" is included in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT's "PATH" command.
3. Reboot your system if necessary, and type "AUTO" at the DOS
prompt to execute AUTO-MATE
EXAMPLE #2: AUTO-MATE being installed in "C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE"
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Copy AUTOMATE.EXE, AUTO.BAT, AUTOMATE.CFG and optionally
AMATECFG.EXE to the directory "C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE".
2. Change the line in the file AUTO.BAT which reads:
"if exist C:\AUTOMATE\$aslect$.bat $aslect$"
to read:
"if exist C:\AUTOMATE\$aslect$.bat $aslect$"
3. Add the directory "C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE" to your AUTOEXEC.BAT's
"PATH" command.
4. Add the command "SET AMATE=C:\ACAD\AUTOMATE" to your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
5. Reboot your system if necessary, and type "AUTO" at the DOS
prompt to execute AUTO-MATE
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -15-
ORDER FORM FOR AUTO-MATE v2.4
_____________________________
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991
- Mate Software
Fayetteville, Arkansas
NAME:______________________________________________________________
COMPANY:___________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE:____________________________________ZIP:_______________
PHONE:_____________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*USER SURVEY*
COMPUTER TYPE:_____________________________________________________
DOS VERSION:_______________________________________________________
AUTOCAD VERSION:___________________________________________________
BBS WHERE YOU OBTAINED AUTO-MATE (INCLUDE PHONE NUMBER):
___________________________________________________________________
COMMENTS:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*CHECK DESIRED REGISTRATION*
LATEST VERSION OF AUTO-MATE: $25.00 ______
(INCLUDES MANUAL AND REGISTERED VERSION
OF AUTO-MATE ON DISK)
SITE LICENSE: $70.00 ______
(REQUIRED FOR BUSINESS - INCLUDES MANUAL
AND SITE LICENSED VERSION OF AUTO-MATE
ON DISK)
UPGRADE FROM EARLIER VERSION OF AUTOMATE: $5.00 ______
(MUST INCLUDE SERIAL NUMBER)
SERIAL NUMBER:_______________________
SEND TO: KURTIS J. JONES
1748 NORTH OAKLAND
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS 72703
A U T O - M A T E v2.4 Page -16-
Very nice! Thank you for this wonderful archive. I wonder why I found it only now. Long live the BBS file archives!
This is so awesome! 😀 I’d be cool if you could download an entire archive of this at once, though.
But one thing that puzzles me is the “mtswslnkmcjklsdlsbdmMICROSOFT” string. There is an article about it here. It is definitely worth a read: http://www.os2museum.com/wp/mtswslnk/