CSExtractFromExcel
This readme file was last updated on 20th February 2002. Latest release of the server is version 1.2.0.0.
Thank you for downloading and trialing our software.
This server is not freeware. Please support development of more Protel add-on servers by registering your copy of the CSExtractFromExcel if you continue to use it.
This and other Protel add-on servers are available on the Considered Solutions Pty Ltd web site http://www.considered.com.au/
This Protel 99SE server was designed to run on P99SE Service Pack 6. It may run on other versions but it has not been designed to nor have we tested it on other versions.
What you do not get by registering
Revision History and What’s New
Demonstration DDB and Spreadsheet
This server will optionally fill-in some of the changeable fields of a Protel Schematic sheet or project, extracting the required data from an Excel spreadsheet.
It features:
The quick version: You're on your own. If it breaks something don't blame us. Please refer people to our www site rather than passing this installation file around.
The longer version:
Unfortunately, registration may not include free upgrade to Version 2.0 and beyond as I have no idea of the scope of work that will go into the next major version – this will be largely set by decisions made inside Protel (something I have no control over).
Registration is USD$100 (including GST for Australian customers).
Australian customers wishing to pay in Australian dollars should email us at servers@considered.com.au
You can register on-line by Visa or Mastercard into our PayPal account (see http://www.comsidered.com.au/Protel01.htm).
Make sure you let us know that you have paid for registration and which product you are registering. Email us at servers@considered.com.au
Or payment can be sent by cheque to:
Considered Solutions Pty Ltd
5 The Crescent
Chatswood, NSW, 2067 Australia
Made payable to Considered Solutions Pty Ltd
Or by bank telegraphic transfer (TT) to our bank account. Please email servers@considered.com.au for details.
We are also investigating other credit/charge card options – in the short term this is not likely to be full on-line payment as we would need to raise the price of the servers to cover the large increase in cost. It will be basically like a phone credit card transaction. If you do not trust us with you credit card details then you will have to use an alternative method.
If you require a receipt or a Tax Invoice (for Australian GST purposes) we are happy to provide one. It can either emailed as a PDF file or snail-mailed. Contact us for details - servers@considered.com.au
Installation follows the normal procedure for Protel add-on servers.
1) Extract all the files to a suitable folder.
2) Copy the help file to the ...\Design Explorer 99 SE\Help folder
3) In Protel 99 SE, click on the Client menu (the down arrow next to the File menu).
4) Click on the Servers... menu item
5) Right-click in the Server list area and select "Install"
6) Navigate to the CSExtractFromExcel.ins file extracted in step 1).
7) Click OK.
You can then assign the process, CSExtractFromExcel:RunBulkExtract, to a key shortcut a toolbar or a menu item using the Protel customization features.
There is currently only one process, ‘RunBulkExtract’. Optionally, this process can take one parameter. The parameter is ‘ParameterFile’, which allows a stored configuration file to be used for all parameters (the dialog box parameter selection not being shown in this case). This allows a standard template file to be prepared once and reused. Examples of use are:
CSExtractFromExcel:RunBulkExtract
CSExtractFromExcel:RunBulkExtract ParameterFile=c:\Projects\Extract From Excel Templates\Template1.efx
A help file is supplied with the server.
CSExtractFromExcel.hlp provides help on calling the server’s process and the process parameters as well as help on the parameter dialog and file formats.
If you copy this file to the \Program Files\Design Explorer 99 SE\Help directory (or the equivalent on your installation) Protel will be able to find it as required – rather than you having to hunt around on your hard disk for it.
A better installation routine would do this automatically – maybe in a future version.
Version 1.0.0.89
Original beta release
Include support for designator as a match and update target
Include support for the “compare-only” checking mode (no updates just a comparison).
Version 1.2.0.00
Fixed Help button and F1-key functionality in the Parameter Dialog.
Unregistered users might find me in a good mood on one or other of the Protel email forums – either PrU or PEDA (join the users forum). Your comments are always welcome.
Registered users can email support@considered.com.au or ask on the PrU or PEDA mailing lists.
A demonstration DDB and Excel file has been included in this ZIP file. These files are not meant to represent any realistic database or design. They are provided purely so that you can experiment with the server without, possibly, having to construct a suitable library and database. The demonstration project has been constructed around the “One Part – One Symbol” methodology – that is each component and each value and each tolerance etc has its own schematic library symbol. Using this method it is possible to put the key field into a read-only library field – in this case Library Field 1.
The library has been constructed with descriptive component names. Since, by default, the library component name is substituted into the Part Type when a component is placed you can see that there are regions of clutter and excessive text on the sample schematics. This is one failing of this methodology, when coupled with this characteristic of Protel 99SE. The clutter is temporary, as more sensible Part Types can be substituted as part of the update from the Excel spreadsheet.
This “One Part – One Symbol” method does not need to be used to use this server. Virtually any field can be used as the match key, not just library fields.
We hope this server is useful. If you have ideas for new add-on servers we are always interested in hearing from you (email us at servers@considered.com.au).
Ian Wilson
Considered Solutions Pty Ltd