Controling external applications

[JE77]

Hi all,
As part of my system i want to open Protel 99 SE from a button on one of my forms. Protel is a database in itself. At the moment i can run Protel, open a database within Protel, but i am failing to open a folder with in that opened database.

I am using Paradox for windows 4.5. I would be graetful for any help or if somebody could point me in the right direction.

Thanks
JE77

 

[footpad]

JE77,

Well, much depends on the automation capabilities of Protel. Do they have a DDE interface, an OLE Automation interface, or even command-line switches?

If so, which and how are you automating it now? I confess that I don't have a copy of Protel, biut if you can provide a brief outline of what you're doing, what they're expecting, and what's not working, we can try to help.

-- Lance

 

[JE77]

Lance,
Protel does have OLE Automation.

At the moment i am using
ddevar.open("C:\\PROGRA~1\\Design~1\\client~1.EXE C:\\TEKLEA~4\\PSU\\PSU.ddb&quot

This opens the PSU.ddb which is saved on my C drive and runs it in Protel (client99SE). Now what i want to do is open a schematic diagram which is stored in the PSU.ddb itself.
I don't know if i have made matters any clearer, but i would be greatful for any help.
Regards
Jay

 

[footpad]

Jay,

Well, it looks as if you're trying to use a DDE interface to control Protel. That's fine. You need to obtain a list of the available DDE commands, topics, and data needed to open the schema you're after.

The Help file for the DDE class is fairly straighforward, save for one relvant factoid. DDE consists of commands, topics, and data. The Help file explains how to issue commands and topics, but neglects to add that to assigned data to the DDE conversation, you have to assign it to the DDE variable you're opened.

Thus, I'm assuming there's a setTopic command that tells Protel to open a scheme and it requires data, perhaps the name of the schema file. You'd basically set the topic and then assign the scema name to ddeVar.

Hope this helps...

-- Lance