TABLE OF CONTENT

01. Chart & Map Naming Conventions

DEFINITIONS:

Charts - These are the documents displayed when using a County Main Menu buttons # 1. and  # 2. They are all Adobe PDF Files.

Maps - These are the documents displayed when using a County Main Menu button #3. They are proprietary maps with the file extension .FNS

Common Elements:

• Both the Charts & the Maps are identified with a starting letter P for Palm Beach, B for Broward or M for Miami-Dade Counties.

• The letter designation is followed by a two number designator 01 ------ 09 etc. which identifies the relative geographic position of each chart or map.  We always start with “01” signifying the northernmost extent of the County and progressing southward.

Map Elements:

• The remaining maps designator "_Graphic.fns" identifies the file as a raster graphic file with the Florida Near Shore extension .fns.

• The maps are normally opened using their corresponding pointer files with the label *_graphic.xgu ( Program default setting )

     Note: Some have asked for us to label them with geographic information such as Inlet or feature names but we found this to be too cumbersome a

02. Chart Orientation on PC Display

Charts are orientated on the PC monitor with East at the top, North to the left, West to the bottom and South to the right.

Why?

Normally, monitors have a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio; that is they are wider than they are high. Our charts are wider in the N/S direction than they are in the E/W direction.  Therefore we chose to orientate them this way!  Just imagine when viewing them that you are standing on the shore and looking seaward.

03. Copying Maps

You may NOT copy or paste any MAP information. The program is delivered on a proprietary TSFD Thumb Drive and the GPSu+FNS application must be run using the files located on this TSFD drive; it therefore must remain mounted in a USB slot.  This feature protects the author from unauthorized, illegal distribution. ( See Sniping Tool if you are using Windows 7 or higher )

04. External Waypoint Entry

This topic describes one method of inserting a list of waypoints (dive site positions etc.) on a map view.  Also, see tutorial topic "19. Saving Waypoints (Dive Site Info)"

GPS Utility in the UK has a program titled GPSU Input File Converter ( gpsufc.exe - latest release is version 1.32 dated 11th May 2011) which is freely downloadable from their website at http://www.gpsu.co.uk/files/gpsufc132setup.exe.  The latest versions of our Florida Near Shore Tracking Utility software ( delivered after 03/28/2011 ) include a copy of this  program gpsufc132setup.exe. It is located on the Thumb Drive's CD partition in a folder titled Waypoint_Entry_Example.  Included in this same folder is our GPSu+FNS_Settings.ini file which defines recommended settings. Also included is a Microsoft Word document ( GPSu.docx ) which illustrates how to use this program.

EXAMPLE:  Our example in this document uses the Palm Beach County Map P05sa_Graphic.xgu ( map of area just north of Lake Worth Inlet ) & assumes we wish to add a list of waypoints from an external source instead of just adding them individually.

Image 1a. is a view of a workbook file created within a Microsoft Excel 2010 program and saved in a Microsoft Excel CVS format suitable for opening in the GPSU Input File Converter program.

 

Image 1b. is a view of the GPSU Input File Converter program opened with no source file (*.cvs) and with the setting.ini file set to our desired GPSu+FNS_Settings.ini format.

 

1a.  1st we created an Excel Workbook file and save it as P05sa.csv	1b.  We then opened the GPSu Input File Converter program and performed a Settings|Open ...  function to open our saved GPSu+FNS_Settings.ini file.
2a. We then opened the P05sa.csv file (See 1a. above) and saved this data in a file named P05sa.gps ( See 2b. to the right ). This  *.gps file is in a format suitable for importing into our GPSu+FNS Tracking  Utility program.	2b. We then executed a Export|Save as ...  function and exported the data from the gpsufc.exe program into the P05sa.gps file. Unfortunately this  file type cannot be viewed directly but we will be able to see the data after we open it in the Florida Near Shore Tracking Utility program as shown below.   Please note that the ID field has been automatically inserted.  The coordinate data, both latitude & longitude, has been combined into one field and the comment field has been added after the waypoint property fields "I & E".

3. Now we opened the map file P05sa_Graphic.xgu in our GPSu+FNS Tracking Utility program. This action actually opens two windows; the visible [P05sa_Graphic.xgu - Map] window and a hidden [P05sa_Graphic.xgu - Waypoint] window as shown to the right.   Note:( only a partial view is shown here )	4. If we click on the task bar function "Window",  a drop-down window opens. If we  then click on  the item " 2 P05sa_Graphic.xgu - Waypoints", the following is displayed.    Since we have not (yet) entered any waypoint data this window does not display any waypoints!.
5. We now open a 3rd window using the File|Open ... function and select the P05S.gps file generated in items 2a. & 2b. above.   Note: The title block here, in part, reads  [P05sa.gps - Waypoints]	6. We then, using a copy/paste key sequence ( Ctrl+C and then Ctrl+V ), copy all the waypoints in the [P05S.gps - Waypoints]  window, shown to the left, into the [P05sa_Graphic.xgu - Waypoints] window which above was originally blank as shown above!   Note: The title block here in parts reads   [P05sa_Graphic.xgu - Waypoints]

CONCLUSION: We have now effectively placed all the waypoints associated with file P05S.csv into the GPSu+FNS Utility [Map P05sa_Graphic.xgu_Graphic - map]. This can be seen by  comparing the left & right side images below:

05. GPS Connectivity

NMEA data can be transmitted from an information source such as a GPS Receiver to a computer via a serial or USB connection and visa versa provided precautions are taken to assure data interference is avoided. Such interference comes from engine noise, ground loops & grounding potential issues. These conditions are difficult to diagnose and the best way to eliminate ( or greatly reduce) their effects is to insert an opto-isolation buffer between them. This maintains proper NMEA 0183 signal levels on both devices and protects them from possible damage.

This solution is inexpensive (under $150.00) when compared to possibly damaging your PC or GPS device without the buffer. We recommend the use of an Actisense USB to Serial Gateway model USG-1-B-422. The following diagram shows a typical interconnection. using a Garmin 400/500 series GPSmap unit connected to a laptop USB port. This device is available through NavStore (www.navstore.com) currently priced at $113.95. No external power is required as the device is powered by your USB port.

Another benefit of using this device is that it comes with easy to understand installation instructions and software on a CD which allows assignment of a virtual USB port thereby ending confusion in finding which USB port is configured to this device.

06. Initial Map View Size

In this latest edition (GPSu 5.14F), we decided to reduced the default map size from 100% to a value of 18% - 25%. Now, when opening a map view, one can see the entire map instead of just a centrally located, oversized view.

07. Initial Program Settings

Before you use the GPS Tracking Utility in earnest you may wish to review some of the initial default settings.  They have been configured to give, what we feel, are the optimum settings for usage with Florida Near Shore charts..

File|Open

Opening the proprietary Florida Near Shore charts with the “.fns” extension requires program version 5.14F or higher. These charts are encrypted and located in the \_Maps_County Name\ directory of the Thumb Drive.

 Options|General

- loadable grids

1. Florida E ( ft ) = Florida State Plane East NAD27

2. UTM-Z17( NAD27 ft ) = NAD27

3. USA( W96 ) Albers = NAD27 061

4. Florida E ( M ) = NAD83 066

5. Military Grid

- Maximize Map windows on creation ( all except Edit window checked )

- Use magnetic variation = - 5 degrees for Florida in 2006

 

Options Map Settings

- Waypoint = ID only

- Route = Leg & Route name

- Track = Trk Time, Dist., Speed

- Realtime = Crosshair

 

Options Map Appearance

- In the Include box:

Check Waypoints & text

Set Tics = ⌖ & Time = 1 minute

Check Grid

- In the Colors box:

Waypnts = Red

Routes = Green

Tracks = Yellow

Cur. Posn. = White

Grid = Gray

Crosshair = Red

       - In General Appearance:

 Default Symbol = “+”

 Symbol Size = 5

 Line Thickness = 2

Check  thicken highlighted

- Map Font = MS Sans Serif; Bold; 8; Yellow

- Alt. Font = Ariel; Regular; 12, Black

- Bitmap Draw Mode = Color on Color

GPS|Setup

- Interface mode = NMEA

- Com Port settings per your GPS Specifications

Options|Data Set

- Time Zone

Check Localtime

 -4:00 = EDST

 -5:00 = EST

In addition, you may wish to set the Coordinate Format and select your favorite datums by going to File|New and then without a file loaded, go to the View menu.

 Other preferences can be found in Options|Field Properties and in Options|Map Settings, but you should not need to vary these defaults except in special circumstances.

The initial default settings are:

- Datum - WGS84

- Time Zone - 0

- Comm. Port - COM1

- Degree Symbol - ASCII character 176

- Printer Font - Courier (best to use single spaced fonts)

- Symbol Set - SymSet1 - ( for GPS12,48 etc. ) ( SymSet2 for GPSu+FNS )

See the Help information for other possible settings:

1.      In particular you should set the Communication Port ( in GPS|Setup ) and Time Zone ( in Options|Data Set ) to suit your particular situation. The time zone setting for EDST is -4 and for Australia is +10.

2.      You may wish to use the '^' for the degree symbol as this is easier to type on most keyboards and it is more visually distinct from the “°” ( seconds ) symbol ( Character Map Alt+0186 ).

3.      You may also like to set the Printer Font to another font ( for example, 'Courier New' ). It is best to use a mono-spaced font.

If you cannot resolve the problem, then please see the Service and Support page.

08. Installation Details

The "Installation" menu is  only  displayed upon initial start-up of the software i.e. 1st time use on a specific PC.  If one needs to access this menu later there is a button on the "Tri-County "Near-Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility" Main Menu which allows one to access the "Installation Repair Instructions" Menu to make changes. For example, one could delete their GPSu+FNS.exe program & reinstall a fresh copy.

The 1st time one opens GPSu+FNS & after satisfying the "License conditions for GPS Utility" agreement, one should convert it to a "Premium Edition" versus the as delivered  "Standard Edition" . Use your voucher information to insert the Registration Name & 16 digit Registration Code e-mailed to you by GPS Utility in the UK. If you have misplaced this information, it is available from the author.

    Procedure: Click on Options|General which opens the "Options Settings" window

Click on the "GPS Utility - Unregistered" text which:

1.  Opens the "Name" box for insertion of your Registration Name

 and then,

2.  Clicking on the keyboard "TAB" key which opens the hidden "Number" box for insertion of your Registration Code.

Once you have entered he correct information and have clicked on "OK", you must "Validate Registration" by clicking on that box to the right of the registration code field.

09. Known Errors

There are no known errors at this time. The currently installed program is Tri-County "Near-Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility Ver. 5.14F_* G ( anticipated release Date 09/29/2012). 

The Windows Control Panel uninstall program is labeled "GPSU+FNS Version 5.14F_*G

There is one known condition which might confuse the user but, is beyond our control:

 If one sizes his monitor text display to a size greater than 100% ( see Control Panel > Display ), some text box information will not be completely displayed!

10. Loading, Please wait ...

The "Loading, please wait ..."  message when starting/loading the Thumb Drive program is an annoying Microsoft generated situation which Microsoft has yet to address. This Situation causes delays in start-up, especially when using the Windows 7 operating System. The 2nd line of this message states "Searching the protected media ..." and :

a,) In Windows XP, Microsoft Windows only checks the permissibility to run the software; a relatively short procedure

b.) In Windows 7, Microsoft Windows decided to check the program files for errors, taking much longer! One may have noticed this by observing the horizontal, slowly scrolling, progress bar at the top of a view when windows is searching for information unrelated to our software when doing a general search. Microsoft has been made aware of this un-welcomed  feature & hopefully will correct it in future editions of their software.

11. Maneuvering Around a Chart: ( GPS Tracking Utility )

1. The charts open in a magnification window which allows one to see the entire map including a map identifier such as "Broward County Map B01" etc.

2. The controls located in the upper right hand corner of the display allow you to perform all maneuvering functions.

3. The red arrows allow you to pan in the East direction ( Up-Arrow ) plus seven other major compass direction progressing clockwise from SE through NE.               ( remember, East is UP! )

4.  The + and – Magnifying glass symbols allows you to blow-up or reduce in size the image being displayed.  The window to their right shows the current magnification level and the unchecked box to the left of the word “Magnifier”, if checked, allows you to magnify any area of the chart as though you were using a magnifying glass.

12. Mouse Clicks & Program Buttons

The GPSu+FNS Program Menu "Button" selections and the Map opening functions are controlled by clicks of your mouse. All clicks made should be standard "single clicks" except for opening the individual County Maps (those with the* .fns and/or.xgu extensions). These require a "double click".

All the Menu "buttons" appear in a RED color and are placed rectangular, round cornered, boxes.  The listings of "Map File" items appear in the normal black text and require a "double click" to be executed (loaded)..

Some examples:

Main Menu Buttons	County Menu Buttons	Chart Menu Buttons	Map Loading Listing               ( not buttons)
single click	single click	single click	double click

14. 13. Opening Maps

Start your "County Name" Near Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility program by selecting it from one of the three Counties on the Main Menu. Advance past the "License Conditions for GPS Utility" agreement by clicking on "Yes".

 

No maps will be visible and the Menu Bar at the top left corner of the display will provide six options. They are File, GPS, View, Options, Window, and Help..

 

 Click on  "File" which opens a "drop-down" window  displaying the following additional options:

 

1. When one clicks on  "Open ...", a "Windows"  file search display opens where the left hand pane shows your computer's directory structure and the right hand pane shows the currently assigned "maps" file directory. This should show the "Thumb Drive"  folder as shown below:.

The "Address Bar" should display :

             << CD Drive (X*:) Tri-County GPSu+F... > ( followed by one of these three statements in bold text ):

_Maps_Broward

 ( if your normal departure port "Homefile" is located in Broward County )

_Maps_Miami-Dade

 ( if your normal departure port "Homefile" is located in Miami-Dade County )

_Maps_Palm Beach

 ( if your normal departure port "Homefile" is located in Palm Beach County )

The *  in the CD Drive (X*)  quote is the USB drive letter where you have inserted your Thumb Drive

Note"* To assure you are directed to the proper Folder, on the 1st run of this software, choose the pre-defined "Homefile - Open: ( {path}\homefile map name" ) from this drop-down box list. Otherwise you may be directed to the "My GPSu" folder in the C:\My Documents\ directory

14. Printing on your Vessel

NOTE: When on your vessel, you probably have no access to a physical printer. Windows 7 & Windows Vista operating systems have a screen print utility named "Snipping Tool" which provide an excellent printing alternative..

Example using Windows 7 or Vista:

1. You should make the SnippingTool Icon  visible on the taskbar so that it is conveniently displayed. ( Do a "search programs & files" using the keyword "snip" if not already displayed on the task bar and create an icon on the taskbar ).

2. When satisfied with your screen display, click on the Snipping Tool Icon on the taskbar which will "gray-out" the monitor display.

3. Move your mouse curser to a point on the display representing a corner of the image you wish to save.

4. Press & hold down the left mouse key & drag the mouse to the opposite corner of the image you wish to save..

5. Release the mouse key and the Snipping Tool image will be displayed on your monitor.

6. Click on "File|Save As ... " and navigate to the Thumb Drive Read/Write partition.

   • Name the file in the File name: box               ( Example: Three Wrecks )

   • Select the Save as Type: box.  We recommend to save as a GIF file.

   • Click on "Save" and then close the Snipping Tool window.

7. If you have marked sites within the image boundaries you might want to save this information.

   • Click on the "Window" option on the Windows toolbar ( upper left corner of display )

   • In the drop-down box switch to the "Waypoints"  window  ( Example: "1 B01_Graphic.xgu - Waypoints" )

   • Again, outline the area of the resulting display you wish to save and use the Snipping Tool to save the information.

There are two options for Windows XP (see description on the Thumb Drive in the folder "Snipping Tool"):

1. Download & install Snagit from  http://techsmith.com/download/snagit/.  A free 30 day trial is offered. Purchase price is 49.95 (we recommend this option)

2. Download & install Snippy from http://www.bhelpuri.net/Snippy/. This is a freeware product not tested by Florida Near Shore. Use at your own Risk!

Use the same or similar procedure as shown in the Windows 7 example above.

1. General - Printing means printing to a physical printer connected to your computer. If you have multiple " Printer and Faxes " devices on your PC, devices such as:

• Adobe PDF Converter

• Fax

• Microsoft XPS Document Writer

• Send to OneNote 2010

• etc

Please be aware that our software will not accept these printer options. There is no "Save" option due to the proprietary nature of this software. Also, You must be a registered user for this option to work!

2. PDF Charts - these are the charts shown in the "View/Print County Name Main PDF Charts Menu" (Option #1)

   1. From the Main Menu, select the County you desire

   2. Select button #1 ( View/Print etc. )

   3. Display the Chart you wish to print ( This will open the PDF Chart )

   4. Click on the key combination Ctrl+P which will open a window where you can set the "print to" Name & properties.

      NOTES:

      The Chart native size is 11" X 17" and is best suited to be printed on a printer capable of printing at this size.

      Do not check the "Print to File" option as it will fail!

      We recommend  taking your laptop to Kinkos or Staples to have them print & laminate any two charts back to back in a 10 mil laminate.

       

    

3. GPSu+FNS Tracking Utility - These are the Maps shown in the "Run GPSu+FNS Tracking Utility" ( Option #2 )

16. Print/View Charts Creates Error - when attempting to print a Chart

This error occurs when a software program other than Adobe Reader is the default "PDF" reader on your system.

Our default PDF Reader is Adobe Reader 10.1.4 (Reader X) and it is specifically designed to allow printing of our proprietary Charts!

Our Charts are only printable when one has their Thumb Drive mounted in their PC and printing is initiated from our software!

Other versions of Adobe Reader have not been tested and may or may not function with our software. That is why we include the option of installing this version upon initial installation of our software. Please use it!

It is possible that one may have Adobe Acrobat  ( a completely different software package ) installed on one's PC in addition to Adobe Reader 10.1.4.  In this case make certain that Adobe Acrobat is not designated the "default" PDF  reader.

17. Problem Finding Maps

One of the most misunderstood concepts in the use of this software is that all of the maps are permanently stored in one of three folders (directories) on the Thumb Drive. This means:

1. The Thumb Drive must be installed in a USB slot and recognized by the operating system.
2. One cannot use the desktop "GPSu+FNS Ver. 5.14F_(x) to start the program. It is there ONLY to show that the program installation process has been completed. Starting with version GPSu+FNS_(*)F, this shortcut will not activate the program but will instead just display a PDF document explaining its purpose.  One could, if desired, delete this icon by right clicking on it and executing the "Delete" option. This will not affect program operation.

3. The 1st file opening option which must be executed upon completion of the program installation is to click on the "Homefile" line displayed in the "File" drop-down box. Red text in the following line is an example!

    

   •  Homefile - Open: followed by Thumb Drive letter F:\ followed by the Thumb Drive folder name _Maps_Palm Beach\ and finally by the map pointer file P01a_graphic.xgu.
     • Other examples are:
     •  
     • Homefile - Open: F:\_Maps_Palm Beach\P01a_graphic.xgu
     • or
     • Homefile - Open: G:\_Maps_Miami-Dade\M03_graphic.xgu
     • or
     • Homefile - Open: F:\_Maps_Broward\B02_graphic.xgu
     • etc

     Keep in mind that the Thumb Drive letter is assigned by your operating system and may vary. The Thumb Drive folder name the map pointer file names are based on your desired departure port preference.

Correcting this problem on all versions of  GPSu+FNS:

Important: Make sure you have a copy of your Name & Registration number recorded in a safe place!

Unplug the Thumb Drive & use your computer's "Control Panel" to delete the GPSu+FNS program.

• On a Windows 7 or Vista PC this sequence is: Control Panel > Programs and Features. Then highlight the "GPSu+FNS" program. Click on the "Uninstall" option at top of page.
• On a Windows XP PC the sequence is: Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs. Then highlight the "GPSu+FNS" program. Click on the "Uninstall" option at top of page.
• Return to the "Desktop" view.

Insert the Thumb Drive, start the program. At the "Tri-County "Near-Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility Main Menu" page click on the "Re-install Programs" button (last button on on the right). This action will display the "Installation Repair Instructions" page.

Click on button # 3. to reinstall  your existing version GPSu+FNS.  Be patient while the installer executes the "Setup - GPSu+FNS" instruction.  Answer all prompts.

 Click on button # 5. to return to the main menu page and use the "Exit Program" button to exit the program. Remove the Thumb Drive.

Verification that problem has been corrected:

Re-Insert the Thumb Drive and start the program. The "Installation Instructions" page will be automatically bypassed. Proceed to the "Tri-County "Near-Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility Main Menu" page.

Click on  the County button which contains the departure port you elected in the ordering process. See copyright statement at bottom of this Main Menu page to determine your software version:

Broward County = Version 4, 5 or 6 followed by the program revision level (currently "G").

Miami-Dade County = Version 7, 8 or 9 followed by the program revision level (currently "G").

Palm Beach County = Versions 1, 2,  or 3 followed by the program revision level (currently "G").

Click on button # 3. to start the "Run GPSu+FNS Tracking Utility". Enter your Name & Registration number once again since it was deleted in the un-installation process.

Click on "File". The second line of the drop-down box should now show the Homefile as being that which you requested during the ordering process.

  Example for Palm Beach County departure port = Jupiter Inlet:

 Homefile - Open: F:\_Maps_Palm Beach\P01a_graphic.xgu

IMPORTANT: If the Homefile line does not contain any information after "Open :" statement, you have missed one of the steps or made another error. Please start over !

Close the "File Locations" box.

Click on " File>Open..." and a box will open where the "Address Box" should point to your Thumb Drive and the Map Folder

Example where the Thumb Drive USB slot is drive letter "J" and the GPSu+FNS program is "_1G" signifying a Homefile of Jupiter Inlet

  > Computer > CD Drive (J:) Tri-County GPSu+FNS_1E > _Maps_Palm Beach

While this box is open it might be a good time to reduce the number of map name types by changing the "All files (*.*)" in the lower right corner of this display to "Encoded GPSu files (xgu)". Use the drop-down dagger on the right side to open this box and then select the 14th item in the list.

Note: You must then enter an *.xgu map pointer to complete this configuration change.

18. Saving Waypoint Data i.e. Dive Site locations

With version 5.14F of this software we have re-introduced the capability to save waypoint data (usually dive site locations) on the computer hard drive.

In the File|Folder view (File Locations drop-down ) under "Description" there is an option "GPSU data files".  When one highlights that option one may specify the Folder Location.  We have set that default location to be C:\My Documents\My GPSU\Dive_Sites.

To save waypoints to this folder, while the map is still open and after all the waypoints you wish to save have been entered, switch to the Waypoint view. This is accomplished my executing the instruction Window|Waypoints. There you will be able to review & edit, if necessary, your data and, once satisfied, execute the instruction "Save As". Then select the C:\My Documents\My GPSU\Dive_Sites folder and save the file. The file name you choose should reflect the name of the map plus the date & time (if necessary) when the site was dove. for example: P05sa_08012012.

One will then be able to open this particular map (P05sa_08012012..txt) directly from the C:\My Documents\My GPSU\Dive_Sites. folder as long as the Thumb Drive is mounted to this PC. (the maps remain captive to the Thumb Drive to protect their proprietary nature),

19. UAC Settings

Windows 7 ( and, we believe most previous versions ) contain UAC ( User Account Control ) settings options. To optimize running of our software we recommend the following settings:

(A Windows 7 examples shown):

1. Go to the Control Panel & set the "view by" option (upper right hand corner of display) to: "Large Icons" ( Windows default is "Category" )
2. Click on the " Autoplay " icon.
3. There are two options in this group which affect how your desktop responds to the insertion of the Thumb Drive:
   • Make certain the Check Box ahead of the wording "Use AutoPlay for all media and devices" option is checked = Windows Default
   • The individual "Software and Games" option is best set to "Install or run program from your media".
4. Use the "Save" button in the lower right corner of the display to save your new selections.
5. This causes program initialization to proceed as displayed below.

The following  images , arranged in order from left to right, portray the sequence of events displayed on your computer monitor as the Tri-County "Near-Shore" & GPS Tracking Utility program loads on your PC. On initial install only, the process begins with the  "Driver Software Installation" message on the taskbar. Thereafter, it starts with the "AutoPlay" message.

 ( Just follow the arrows ! )

     1st Time Installation

STARTS HERE

This is followed automatically by a flashing " TSFD Launcher " icon being displayed on the Task Bar

A " User Account Control" image is displayed  on the Desktop

A "Loading, please wait---" message is briefly displayed, followed by the actual start of our program

STARTS HERE

An " AutoPlay " image is  displayed on the Desktop

Clicking on the" TSFD Launcher " icon on the Task Bar results in the following display

Clicking on "Yes" in the " UAC" image results in the following display

the text in the lower section of this image is scrolling quickly from right to left and is an information message simply advising the user that Windows is verifying our program information. ( It's too fast to be read !  )

20. Usage of "Homefile"

Procedure to Change the "Homefile" to a new one:

Assume the Homefile currently displayed is "Homefile - Open: B02_Graphic.xgu". Clicking on this item will open the B02_Graphic map.

To change this Homefile statement to "Homefile - Open: M01_Graphic.xgu" follow this procedure:

1. With no files open, select  the current Homefile by clicking on "Homefile - Open: B02_Graphic.xgu" which opens the B02_Graphic map.

2. Open a second file, that one being your new/preferred Homefile map. In this example it is assumed to be "M01_Graphic.xgu"

3. Again, click on "File" to open the drop-down box. One will note that the "Homefile" line is blank but with an "arrow dagger" at the right edge. This signifies that there is an additional, hidden, drop-down box to its right.

4. Clicking on the "arrow-dagger" exposes two additional lines off data

Homefile		Open: {path}\B02_Graphic.xgu  ( the current Homefile )
		Set as: M01_Graphic.xgu         ( the preferred Homefile )

5. Clicking on the lower, right box "Set as: M01_Graphic.xgu" will change the default "Homefile" to   "M01_Graphic.xgu".

6. If one clicks on the upper, right box "Open: {path}\B02_Graphic.xgu", you will retain the current, default "Homefile".

 

Note: The next time one opens the program and clicks on "File", the Homefile will be displayed as   M01_Graphic.xgu. One may repeat this process as often as desired. 

21.  Want to Mark a Site ?

Highlight the inverted “ ┴ “ at the upper left corner of the display. Position the cursor over a feature you wish to record and click. This action will open a "Data Dialogue" window allowing you to enter & store a new waypoint in the waypoint window.