Pull_DWG copyright (c) 1988-1989 by Mountain Software













Pull Drawing


AutoCAD Pull Down Menu Front End
Version 2.1
October 14, 1989






Jerry Workman, P.E.
1579 Nottingham Road
Charleston, WV 25314
CIS 70717,3564


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Table of Contents



I U s i n g P u l l _ D W G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Shell Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Test Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Human Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AUTOEXEC.BAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

II A d d e n d u m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

III. L i c e n s e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Trademark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Site Licenses and Quantity Purchases . . . . . . . . . . 16


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


I U s i n g P u l l _ D W G

Purpose
-------

After many major updates, the AutoCAD opening menu still does not
present an adequate user interface. In particular, the selection
of a drawing filename requires that the user type in the full
drive path and filename of the drawing. In addition, changing
directories from the opening menu is not possible.

Pull_DWG was designed specifically to replace the AutoCAD opening
menu. Pull-DWG is a high-speed, easy-to-use utility that makes it
easy to select a subdirectory, drawing file, and other functions
provided by the AutoCAD opening menu or the drawing editor.

You may also run Pull_DWG from within the drawing editor. In this
mode Pull_DWG is executed through an AutoLisp program. This
AutoLisp program (PULL_DWG.LSP) can be made a part of your
ACAD.LSP and ACAD.MNU files so that Pull_DWG is always available
within the drawing editor. (The files ACAD.LSP and ACAD.PGP must
be modified.) Once executed, PULL_DWG.LSP will shell Pull_DWG,
the current drawing may be optionally saved before selecting
another drawing. A script is created by Pull_DWG which will exit
the current drawing and load the drawing file that you select.

Functions

1> Select AutoCAD opening menu command (eg load new drawing).
2> Select a drawing file (on any drive or directory).
3> Enter a new drawing file name and optionally a prototype
drawing file name/path.
4> Select a drawing editor command which will execute after
your drawing has loaded.
5> Execute a DOS command or temporarily exit to DOS.

Additional User defined functions are provided to:

1> Type or list text files (perhaps a script, an AutoLisp
program or an ATTEXT definition file.
2> To call your editor or word processor,
3> To view a slide (with SLDMGR.EXE).
4> To run an external utility program of your choice.

Pull_DWG works on IBM compatible computers with all "standard"
video adapters including the PS/2 family. Many non-standard video
adapters will work if they support at least one of the IBM
compatible modes.





Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 3


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Installation
------------

Copy the files from the distribution diskette (or extract them
from the archive file) to your AutoCAD subdirectory.


Shell Mode
----------

Pull_DWG can also be executed from within AutoCAD to select a
file and perform the following tasks:

end Save the current drawing, and specify a new drawing to
be loaded by AutoCAD.

wend Save the current drawing using WBLOCK * , and
select a new drawing to be loaded by AutoCAD.

quit Quit the current drawing, and specify a new drawing to
be loaded by AutoCAD.

insert Select a drawing file to insert into the current
drawing at a block.

dxfin Select a DXF file to load into the current drawing.

dxbin Select a DXB file to load into the current drawing.

vslide Select an AutoCAD SLD file to view.

In order to utilize this feature the files ACAD.LSP and ACAD.PGP
must be modified. This can be accomplished as follows:


ACAD.LSP

If you use AutoCAD Release 10 (the latest release at this
writing) add the following line to your ACAD.LSP file:

(load"pull_dwg")

Be sure to place the file PULL_DWG.LSP in your ACAD
directory.

If you use an older version of AutoCAD, then the contents of
PULL_DWG.LSP must included in your ACAD.LSP file. This can
be accomplished with an ASCII text editor, or with DOS by
executing the DOS command from your ACAD directory:

COPY ACAD.LSP+PULL_DWG.LSP ACAD.LSP


Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 4


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1



ACAD.PGP

Add the following line to your ACAD.PGP file:

PULL_DWG,PULL_DWG,150000,*Parameters,0

this can also be accomplished with DOS as follows:

COPY ACAD.PGP+PULL_DWG.PGP ACAD.PGP

Note: the value 150000 works on most machines, if the message
appears "not enough memory to load program" after the
PULL command, then increase this value. (try 160000
first)

ACAD.MNU (optional)

Add the following line to any or your screen or pop menus:

[Pull_DWG]^C^C(if (null c:pull) (load"pull_dwg")) pull


Within the AutoCAD drawing editor you may call Pull_DWG to select
a new drawing file, or to perform any of the other shell
commands. From the AutoCAD "Command:" prompt enter the command
"PULL", if you have added the above to your ACAD.MNU file, then
select Pull_DWG from the menu. When Pull_DWG loads you can select
one of the shell functions from the popup. You may press AltX or
ESC at any time to abort Pull_DWG and return to your drawing with
no action.

The AutoCAD drawing editor commands END and QUIT are redefined by
PULL_DWG.LSP in order to bypass the AutoCAD opening menu. If you
do not desire this feature, then you may delete those two
functions from the PULL_DWG.LSP file. The original AutoCAD
commands are still available in any case in the form .END and
.QUIT (precede the command with a period).















Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 5


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Running Pull_DWG
----------------
Previous versions (prior to version 2.0) required that Pull_DWG
execute from a batch file. Pull_DWG can now "chain" to AutoCAD
with out the use of a special batch file. Therefore you may now
execute Pull_DWG in the same manner that you now execute ACAD.
The file PULL_DWG.EXE may be placed the same subdirectory as
ACAD.EXE, or any subdirectory, if a DOS path is set to this
subdirectory. PULL_DWG.LSP must however be placed in your the
same directory of ACAD.EXE or the directory specified with the
DOS SET command (SET ACAD=)

Pull_DWG can execute AutoCAD from the subdirectory where the
selected drawing resides, or from a subdirectory that you specify
(eg your ACAD directory or a project directory). This is
determined by the configuration of the "Starting Directory". If
this field is left blank Pull_DWG will execute AutoCAD from the
drawing directory. If a drive:directory is specified then AutoCAD
will be executed from that directory.

Configuration
-------------

You can set all of the following defaults:

1. The (external) program to view text files.
2. The (external) program to edit text files.
3. The (external) program to view a slide file.
4. The (external) utility program.
5. The drive and subdirectory from which AutoCAD will be
executed. If this field is left blank, then AutoCAD will be
executed from the drawing directory.
6. Mouse sensitivity.
7. Execution Mode (batch or chain).
8. Batch file name (if you use batch mode).
9. EXE filename (if you wish to rename Pull_DWG.EXE).
10. Screen fill background character.

Select save to make your changes permanent. If you do not save
then the temporary settings will be used for the current session
only. When the configuration is saved the new values are saved to
the file PULL_DWG.EXE.

Note: Pull_DWG must be able to locate the file PULL_DWG.EXE
in order to save the configuration data. It first
checks the current directory, then each directory
specified in your DOS PATH.






Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 6


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Test Drive
----------

The operation should be intuitive. You may press the key
everywhere for help in context. The basic steps are: 1> select a
menu aCtion, 2> Select a path and drawing file name, 3> Run
AutoCAD. Pull_DWG will load AutoCAD and run an AutoCAD script
file with the drawing file that you selected in the pull-down
menus. Since you can only select one of four processes from the
aCtion menu, only settings in that selected pull-down menu apply.
For instance a prototype drawing can not be used when you edit an
existing file. To quit, without running AutoCAD press at
the top menu or press .


Processes
---------

aCtion - Just like the AutoCAD opening menu.
Files - Selects a drawing file.
ACAD - Run AutoCAD with the Drawing file and action
selected.
Extra - Select a prototype drawing and/or initial drawing
editor command.
Utility - Execute external utility programs.
DOS - Execute a DOS command or temporarily exit to DOS
Configure - Set up Pull_DWG.


Human Factors
-------------

The human interface with Pull_DWG has been designed to be simple,
clean and easy. Pull_DWG was written in Turbo Pascal using
windowing and pull down menu routines by James LeMay (Eagle
Performance Software).

. Uses pull-down menus for ease of use.

. Utilizes a Microsoft compatible mouse if present and
enabled.

. Smart directory spots elusive files quickly and enters the
name for you. File names are sorted, lower case, and have
extensions right justified.

. Data entry windows show previous and new entries.

. Help windows are integrated and context sensitive for each
option. They will disappear automatically when any key is
pressed and that key will be executed.


Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 7


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


. Messages help you with all of the keystrokes

. Easily configured settings.

. Works on any IBM compatible machine with MDA, CGA, EGA,
MCGA, VGA, 8514/A and video adapters. The program will also
works on the PCjr and the PC convertible with any monitor.
Hercules cards will default to "black and white" colors and
the IBM 3270 can also be used (but only in PC mode at this
time.) Also works with other display adapters so long as
they support one of the above modes.


Special Keys
------------

Use the following keys to navigate throughout the program.

F1 - Pull/pop the Help windows
ESC - Backs out of the current menu/window and exits the
program when only the top menu is displayed.
LTR - While in the menus, the HiLite will move to and execute
the menu line with that upper case letter or number.

Cursor Keys - In addition to the on-screen messages, ^L-Arrow
and ^R-arrow moves the menus to the far left and
right. PgUp and Home puts the HiLite at the top
of the menu while PgDn and End at the bottom.


Mouse
-----

If you have a mouse connected and a Microsoft compatible mouse
driver, then you can use the mouse to navigate Pull_DWG. Mouse
movement simulates the arrow keys, the left button simulates the
return key, and the right button simulates the escape key.

The mouse feature can be disabled if necessary. Some tablet
drivers use the same interrupt as the microsoft mouse driver and
the tablet will be detected as a mouse by some (The Nth Engine
drivers in particular). Configure Pull_DWG to disable the mouse
feature if your cursor runs away or if cursor movements are
erratic.









Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 8


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Directory
---------

The directory sorts the file names in alphabetical order. The
names are in lower case and the extensions are right justified
for easier reading. Directory names are placed at the top of the
list. You may change directory by highlighting the directory and
pressing return. You may also change disk drives with the Alt-A
thru Alt-K keys. Note that you can scan the directory not only
with the cursor keys, but by typing a letter to move to names
starting with that letter. Context sensitive help is available
throughout by pressing the key.


Limits
------

The display of the path name is limited to a total of 45
characters. However, the program will still work if the names are
longer. When the names do get too long and you want to change
paths, you can use the DOS ".." and "." directory symbols to
shorten the path length.

The directory is limited to approximately 1700 file names in
shell mode.




























Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 9


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


AUTOEXEC.BAT
------------

Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file can control the way AutoCAD and Pull_DWG
work. The DOS commands PATH and SET can be used in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file to tell other programs or your particular
configuration and preferences. The PATH tells DOS (and other
programs) where to search for executable program files (those
with .COM,.EXE, or .BAT file extensions.

Example: PATH C:\;C:\DOS;C:\ACAD

Use the path command to tell ACAD and PULL_DWG the
location of ACAD.EXE and PULL_DWG.EXE.

SET assigns values to variables in the DOS environment to
communicate with application programs.

Example: SET ACAD=C:\ACAD\LISP
SET ACADCFG=C:\ACAD\TABLET
SET LISPHEAP=30000
SET LISPSTACK=15000
SET ACADFREERAM=20

Use SET to tell AutoCAD where to look for a specific
configuration's files (if you have more than one), the
directory that contains AutoLisp programs, INSERT
blocks and fonts, and AutoLisp parameters. AutoCAD will
search for .LSP and .DWG files in three possible
subdirectories; the current directory (your drawing
directory?), the directory where ACAD.EXE resides, and
the directory specified by SET ACAD=





















Chapter 1, Using Pull_DWG Page 10


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


II A d d e n d u m


Error Messages
--------------

Operational errors seen in the message line:


"Invalid entry." - an invalid character was entered or an
entered value exceeds the value limit.

"Invalid path." - The path was simply not found or the path
name is not in the form [d:][path].

"Directory to large to load." - Not enough memory to load the
entire directory.

"Critical disk error." - While reading the directory,
usually the drive door has been
left open or has an unformatted
disk.

"DOS can not open file." - a filename and or subdirectory was
selected which DOS can not accept.

"DOS Exec function failed." - an external command can not be
executed or COMMAND.COM can
not be loaded.

"Drawing file not selected." - A drawing file is required for
most aCtions to operate
properly.

"File not found." Couldn't locate the file name entered.

"Drive not ready" Drive door needs to be closed.

"Critical disk error." - Other inherent hardware or floppy errors
than listed above.

"Disk full." Disk full before process completed.

"Directory full." Can't add a new file.

"Disk Error." Couldn't close the files.







Chapter 2, Addendum Page 11


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Suggestions
-----------

File Lister - The DOS command TYPE works, but BROWSE
(PC Magazine) or LIST (by Vern Berg) are much more flexible.

Editor - EDLIN if you have nothing else, but again a good ASCII
file editor like QEdit (Semware) make the job easier.

Slide Viewer - SLDMGR (Slide Manager) will display slide (.SLD)
files without AutoCAD and also provides complete slide library
management.

Utility - Your choice, I use a drawing file manager (AutoManager)
here.

BROWSE, LIST, QEdit, and Slide Manager are available on most
major PC bulletin boards as well as on Compuserve.


Liability
---------

This program modifies, alters, and even deletes data files!
Careful testing has been made to ensure that the processes
perform correctly. No liabilities are assumed in the use or
misuse of this program resulting in data loss or damage. It is
the users responsibility to be sure that the results are as
expected.


Author
------

If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact me.

Jerry Workman, PE
1579 Nottingham Rd.
Charleston, WV 25314
CIS 70717,3564
304-744-7748 (after 7:30 ET)

Copyright (c) 1988, 1989 by Mountain Software All rights reserved










Chapter 2, Addendum Page 12


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Revisions
---------

Version 1.0 (12-20-88):

. Initial release

Version 1.1 (1-12-88):

. Added command line parameter (subdirectory)

Version 1.2 (2-4-89)

. Added configure option to allow the selection of the
directory from which AutoCAD will be executed.

Version 1.3 (2-13-89)

. Fixed a bug in the writing of the script file.

Version 1.4 (3-25-89)

. Added shell mode. Pull_DWG can be executed from within
AutoCAD to select a new drawing or to perform many AutoCAD
functions that require a file selection. In addition the
AutoCAD END and QUIT commands are modified to bypass the
AutoCAD main menu on exit of the drawing file.

. Mouse and Deskview support added.

. Expanded drive selection in the directory (drives A: thru K:
can now be selected by pressing ALT-drive while in the
directory.

. Fixed a bug that prevented execution of drawings in the root
directory when a starting directory had been specified in
the configuration.

. Recoded to run under Turbo Pascal 5 and Pull5X.

. Added a Utility program option which does not require a file
selection.

. When is pressed at the top menu the program now aborts
(AutoCAD is not executed).

Version 1.41 (5-30-89)

. Increased memory allocation in ACAD.PGP to 150000




Chapter 2, Addendum Page 13


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


Version 2.0 (6-24-89)

. Expanded directory memory allocation to handle at least 2000
files.

. Added WEND command in PULL_DWG.LSP and shell mode to execute
WBLOCK * filename then QUIT, as an alternative to END.

. Eliminated the need to run Pull_DWG from a batch file. Swap
mode causes Pull_DWG to page all but 2K of itself to EMS
memory or disk and remain resident in memory while executing
AutoCAD.

. QUIT eliminated from the top menu (redundant, ESC or AltX
are easier to use).

. General clean-up, minor bug fixes, and small enhancements.

Version 2.1 (10-14-89)

. Swap mode removed (nobody liked it - too slow), replaced by
a "chain" process. AutoCAD is executed by Pull_DWG with no
batch file and no loss of memory or delay. The batch file
mode was retained for those who still like it, or that still
use DOS 2.X.

. The configuration is now saved in the PULL_DWG.EXE file
instead of PULL_DWG.CFG.

. User defined batch filename and EXE filename (you can rename
PUll_DWG.EXE) and still "clone" the configuration.

. The script file is now written to the same directory as
ACAD.EXE regardless of the current drive or directory.



















Chapter 2, Addendum Page 14


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1


III. L i c e n s e


Shareware
---------

This version of Pull_DWG is NOT public domain or free software,
but is being distributed as "shareware". You may try it out to
see if it is useful for you. If you use it you must make a $20
contribution to the author for one license per CPU concurrently
in use. With the license, instructions will be provided to
eliminate the starting delay. The program in the form of the
original archived file only may be freely distributed, but not
sold.

Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited 14
day license to make an evaluation copy for trial use for the
purpose of determining whether Pull_DWG is suitable for their
needs. At the end of this trial period, you should either
register your copy, or discontinue using Pull_DWG.

All users are granted a limited license to copy Pull_DWG only for
the trial use of others and subject to the above limitations.
This license does NOT include distribution or copying of this
software package:

1. In connection with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'.
4. For distribution in modified form; i.e., the file containing
this license information MUST be included, along with the
full Pull_DWG documentation.

Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
encouraged to post PULL_DWG.ZIP for downloading by their users,
as long as the above conditions are met.


Registration Information
------------------------

A Pull_DWG registration licenses you to use the product on a
regular basis. Individual registrations for Pull_DWG cost $20 for
registration only, or $30 for the latest Pull_DWG diskette, with
documentation on the disk. West Virginia residents should include
6% sales tax.

Educational institutions, full-time students and BBS sysops can
apply a 50% discount - $10 per copy. PLEASE include your
educational institution letterhead (with your title), or a
photocopy of your most recent registration slip, or the name and
number of your BBS along with any other relevant information.

Chapter 3, License Page 15


Pull_DWG for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 2.1




Disclaimer
----------

Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty:
"This program is supplied as is. Mountain Software disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of this program
for any purpose. Mountain Software assumes no liability for
damages direct or consequential, which may result from the use of
this program."


Trademark
---------

Mountain Software and Pull_DWG are trademarks of Mountain
Software. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. PC-DOS is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk.


Site Licenses and Quantity Purchases
------------------------------------

All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of
Pull_DWG must be registered. We offer quantity discounts as well
as site licensing.

Corporate site licensing agreements allow duplication and
distribution of specific numbers of copies within the licensed
institution. Duplication of multiple copies is not allowed except
through execution of a licensing agreement. Site license fees are
based upon estimated number of users.

Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program will
be sent. You will be responsible for distributing additional
copies.

Please write for more information.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Discounts are not cumulative; they apply to single orders of like
products only. Unit prices are the same as for individual users.

WARNING: YOU MAY NOT USE Pull_DWG WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
WITHOUT A PRIOR PURCHASE OR LICENSE ARRANGEMENT.





Chapter 3, License Page 16