1. Demo Instructions (SPC Express for Windows)

  2. ASCII Transfer Option (SPC Express - DOS)

  3. Converting Subgroup Data (SPC Express - DOS)

  4. Adding (or renaming) a Traceability Field (SPC Express for Windows)

  5. DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange (SPC Express for Windows)

  6. Data Access Object (DAO) Library Installation (SPC Express for Windows)

  7a. Copying Subgroup Data from Excel to Access (SPC Express for Windows)

  7b. Importing Excel data into SPC Express from a spreadsheet (xls) file

  7c. Importing Excel data into SPC Express using a CSV file

  7d. Exporting SPC Express data into an Excel or CSV file

  8. Interfacing a LaserMike with AutoTrans

  9. Interfacing a LaserMike with SPC Express for Windows

10. Allowing SPC Express for DOS to print to a Network or USB Printer

11. Creating Windows Short-cuts for Windows or DOS programs

12. Using an Electronic Gage (or Text File) with SPC Express for Windows

13. Database Connection Error when Starting Release 5

14. How to REPAIR a Damaged Part File (.mdb file)

15a. What does a typical SPC Express Data File (.MDB) look like?

15b. Making a traceability field larger

16. Network Installation Instructions

17. Using SPC Express without a Mouse

18. Error: Can’t create the field [SystemOptions] upon startup

19. Email a Report How can I do it?

20. Printer Error #10H What's wrong?

21. Can't read ScopeLog.txt or ScopeTab.txt file Error in AutoScope

22. Various Alerts How to Set-up various Alarms & Emails for OOC and OOS conditions

23. Passwords Using Passwords with SPC Express

24. Running SPC Express on Windows 7,8,10 (and HELP problems)

25. Turning On/Off Various Spoken Messages

26. MSCOMM32.OCX has not been registered properly

Please let us know if you have any requests for additional TechTips ...

This demo disk is a "working demo." In other words, you can actually use this demo to enter your own data and print your own reports. You will be limited to a small number of files and a small number of subgroups. You also will not have the benefit of the User Manual. However, we believe that SPC Express is so easy to use, you'll hardly miss having the manual.

After installing and starting SPC Express for Windows, click on Help (*), Topics, and go to the Tutorial for a step-by-step lesson on using SPC Express. If you wish, you may even click on Print to obtain a printed copy of the Tutorial instructions.

(*) If you are having trouble getting Help to work properly on your Windows 7, 8, or 10 system, please see Tech Tip #24.

Installation and Start-Up:

To use the demo, you'll first need to install the software onto your computer. (Windows 98/NT4 or Windows 2000/XP is required.)   To install SPC Express for Windows, insert Disk 1 of 3 into drive A and Run A:SETUP from the Windows Start Menu (or D:Setup if you have a Demo CD).   You will be asked to specify a directory (or folder) where you want SPC Express to be installed.   Enter whatever you want, although we recommend the default of C:\SPCXW.   The installation procedure should create an icon or shortcut on your Windows desktop.   To start SPC Express for Windows, simply double click on that icon.   If, for some reason, you did not get a short-cut, you can create your own or start SPC Express from the Start/Programs menu.

Creating a Part File:

From the Main Screen, choose File, Create a New Part File (or click on the toolbar button labeled PT). Choose a directory (or folder) for this new part file. Enter the file name, such as DEMO-001 and click the [Create] button. When asked, enter a Part Number and Description and any other information that you want. Choose a few traceability fields, such as Operator and Lot Control Number. Choose them by highlighting them on the left side, then click the [Add->] button to copy them to the right side. Finally click [OK] to save this Part File definition. You will then be asked to define a Characteristic for this Part File. It may be for either variable or attribute data. You must fill out both the Characteristic and Dept/Process fields. Fill out the subgroup size (typically 5) and the spec limits. Finally click on the button labeled [ All Done (save) ]. Note that there are three optional tab sheets called Optional Info, Input Options, and Formats. You do not need to fill out any of these tab sheets unless you need the advanced functions that they provide. Feel free to take a look at them before clicking on the [ All Done (save) ] button.

Entering Subgroups:

To enter subgroups, first open that Part File/Characteristic that you just created. We suggest that you open both a subgroup view and an X-Bar R chart view. That way, you will see your subgroup points plotted immediately as you enter them! If your file opened up initially as an X-Bar R Chart, click on the blue Subgroup toolbar button to add a subgroup entry view. (Note: the yellow toolbar buttons change the type of view, the blue buttons add a new type of view.)

Chart/Screen Customization:

When viewing a chart, choose menu option: View, then Chart Options. From here you may select any Month, Quarter, Year, chart width, etc. Also, you may choose File, Global Preferences to define your company name, font choices, etc. You may also want to change the setting of: Window, AutoTile. Hints: right click on a subgroup entry window to auto-size it, click on any subgroup point on an Xbar R Chart to see more info.

If you have any difficulties or have any questions, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you! Thanks again for reviewing SPC Express for Windows.

Table of Contents

 I. Introduction 

II. SPC Express to ASCII File 

A. Specify Which Subgroups 

B. Specify ASCII File Format 

1. Which Fields 

2. Which Style 

3. File Name 

III. ASCII File to SPC Express

Note: ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange and is pronounced
    "askee".
    

I. Introduction

The ASCII Transfer Utility allows you to transfer subgroups of data into or out of SPC Express. The data transfer goes to (or comes from) an ASCII DOS text file. This text file can then be passed to a spreadsheet program, data base package, word processing software or a user written application for further reporting and analysis.

You may transfer subgroups of data to/from your currently selected SPC Express Data File to/from any DOS file in any directory on any disk drive.

To run the ASCII Transfer Utility, first be sure that you have selected the SPC Express Data File that you want to transfer data with. Then, choose Option (F8) from the Main Menu to go to the Utility Menu. Then from the Utility Menu choose Option (F4), ASCII Transfer. You will then be asked which direction of transfer you want: SPC Express to ASCII or ASCII to SPC Express.

II. SPC Express to ASCII File:

A) Specify which subgroups:

You will be asked which subgroups you want to transfer. Specify the starting and ending subgroup numbers and optionally you may specify a query. For example, you could ask to transfer all of the subgroups from 11 to 90 where Julie was the operator.

B) Specify ASCII file format:

You may also customize what the output file will look like. You may specify: 1) which fields from the SPC Express Data File are to be written out, 2) what the format (style) of the output file will be, and 3) what file to write to.

1) Which Fields:

In order to specify which fields are written, you must customize a file called OUTMASK.VAR (for variable files) and OUTMASK.ATT (for attribute files). These files can be edited from any DOS editor or from within SPC Express by choosing the built-in editor on the Utilities Menu. Customize the OUTMASK.VAR file by entering "Y" for yes, and "N" for no. You may also specify how many characters from each field are to be written out to the ASCII file. DO NOT EDIT ANY OTHER INFORMATION! The lines that contain "Y" will cause that field to be transferred from the SPC Express Data File to the ASCII file. The OUTMASK files are located in your start-up directory (probably C:\SPCX). An example is shown below:

OUTMASK.VAR:

0,HEADER REC       ,n,15      In this example, the resulting output file
1,Date             ,Y,8       would look like this.  (Two subgroups are
2,Shift            ,Y,3       shown which contain 5 samples each.)  The
3,Time             ,Y,5       fields written to the ASCII file are: Date, Shift,
4,Inspector        ,n,5       Time, Operator, and all 5 Samples.
5,Machine          ,n,5
6,Material         ,n,5       The output style is "style 1" (1 field per line).
7,Lot Control No.  ,n,10
8,Operator         ,Y,5       Note that each field in the output file contains
9,Other 1          ,n,10      the number of characters specified in the
10,Other 2         ,n,10      OUTMASK.VAR file. (8, 3, 5, etc.)
11,Other 3         ,n,10
12,Other 4         ,n,10      "07-17-95"
13,Other 5         ,n,10      "AFT"
14,Sample 1        ,Y,7       "12:35"
15,Sample 2        ,Y,7       "Julie"
16,Sample 3        ,Y,7       "1.053  "
17,Sample 4        ,Y,7       "1.056  "
18,Sample 5        ,Y,7       "1.065  "
19,Sample 6        ,Y,7       "1.077  "
20,Sample 7        ,Y,7       "1.028  "
21,Sample 8        ,Y,7       "07-17-95"
22,Sample 9        ,Y,7       "AFT"
23,Sample 10       ,Y,7       "12:45"
24,Sample 11       ,Y,7       "Julie"
25,Sample 12       ,Y,7       "1.076  "
26,Sample 13       ,Y,7       "1.082  "
27,Sample 14       ,Y,7       "1.041  "
28,Sample 15       ,Y,7       "1.064  "
29,Sample 16       ,Y,7       "1.085  "
30,Sample 17       ,Y,7
31,Sample 18       ,Y,7
32,Sample 19       ,Y,7
33,Sample 20       ,Y,7
34,Sample 21       ,Y,7
35,Sample 22       ,Y,7
36,Sample 23       ,Y,7

0,@PN/@CH.xxx ,Y,16

"123/Length.xxx "

2) Which Style:

After you specify which subgroups you want, you will be asked to specify which style of output you want. Your choices are:

• 1 field / line (see previous example)
• 1 subgroup / line (see example below)
• LOTUS compatible format (see example below)
• Comma delimited (see example below)
• Blank delimited (see example below)

Examples of the various output format styles:

1 field / line:
(See example above)

1 subgroup / line:
"12-25-94","11:45","1.2","1.3"

LOTUS compatible format:
"12-25-94","11:45",1.2,1.3

Comma delimited:
12-25-94,11:45,1.2,1.3

Blank delimited:
12-25-94 11:45 1.2 1.3

You will then be asked to specify a DOS file name where you want the ASCII data written. Enter a full DOS file name including the drive letter and path. If you do not enter a drive letter and path, the file will be written into your start-up directory (probably C:\SPCX). Examples of an ASCII file name are:

• C:\PART001.ASC
• C:\FORD\WIDGET.TXT
• JUNKASC.001
   

III. ASCII File to SPC Express:

You can also transfer subgroups into an SPC Express Data File from an ASCII text file. To do this successfully, the ASCII text file must be in a compatible format which SPC Express is expecting to see. One of several formats are compatible. In the most basic file format, include only the fields: Date, Time, and the sample values (one for each sample in the subgroup). The following is an example of an ASCII file containing two subgroups of five samples each:

  12-25-95
  11:30
  1.2111
  1.2122
  1.2133
  1.2144
  1.2155
  12-25-95
  11:45
  1.2211
  1.2222
  1.2233
  1.2244
  1.2255

The data fields may be on separate lines as shown above, or on a single line for each subgroup, separated by commas as shown below. Note: Spaces may be used instead of commas, but if a field has no data in it, you must be sure that it contains at least one non-blank character. Also, your traceability fields will not be able to contain embedded spaces.

  12-25-95,11:30,1.2111,1.2122,1.2133,1.2144,1.2155
  12-25-95,11:45,1.2211,1.2222,1.2233,1.2244,1.2255

  "12-25-95","11:30","1.2111",1.2122,1.2133,1.2144,1.2155
  "12-25-95","11:45","1.2211",1.2222,1.2233,1.2244,1.2255

The following is a sample line from an ASCII text file to be imported into SPC Express where Irene is the Inspector, M12 is the Machine, Mag is the Material, LC-123 is the Lot Control Number, Otis is the Operator, there is no specific traceability information for the "other 5" fields and the subgroup size is two samples.

  12-25-95,AFT,11:45,Irene,M12,"Mag",LC-123,Otis,,,,,,1.1,1.2

Then, select the Data File to be converted ((F7) at the Main Menu). Then press (F2), (F4) to edit the Data File Header. Enter "CV" in the "subgroup size" field during the Header Edit, then hit (F10). You will be asked what conversion you want. Pick English to Metric, Metric to English, or Custom. If you choose Custom, you may enter a formula, such as +4.75 (to add 4.75 to every sample). English to Metric conversion converts inches to millimeters (inches times 2.54).

1. Open Microsoft Access.
2. Open the SPC Express Part file that you wish to change.
   

   If you see a warning message: You can’t make changes to database objects in the database ... This database was created in an earlier version of Microsoft Office Access. To correct this situation, click on: Tools, Database Utilities, Convert. Choose your Part File. You will be asked to enter a new name for the converted file. You must enter a new name. Access will not allow you to enter the same name as the original file. So make up a new name. If you want the new file to have the same name as the original file, you’ll have to rename it later.

   
   
   
3. You are now ready to add, delete, or rename a Traceability Field.
4. From the "Tables" Tab, highlight the Table called: "_MMS3_Variable Field Descriptions" and click "Open".
   If all you want to do is RENAME a traceability field, you need to make this change in 2 places.
   • First, edit the field name in the 'Name' field of the '_MMS3...' table.
   • Second, change the field (column) name in each of the characteristic tables where the subgroups are stored. 
     These are the Table(s) that follow the table named '_MMS4...'
5. You may also INSERT a traceability field into the list.
   
   Click Here for Detailed Instructions (PDF)
   
   

If you get an error in SPC Express that says "Last entry not called 'Invalidated'", you must "compact" the database. Go back into Access, open the mdb file, click on Tools / Database Utilities / Compact Database.

If you get an error in SPC Express that prevents you from entering subgroups with blank traceability entries, you may need to get the latest version of SPC Express.

AppName = "ExpWin"
Topic = "Send_Sample"
Data = "1.2345" (for example)

This procedure is very easy to do and takes less than a minute. You will need to download the FixDAO installation routine and then run it. If you think you need this, please contact MMS.

• Be sure to name your Sheet (if you choose to rename it) so it does NOT have any SPACES or PERIODS in it.   That seems to confuse Access.   Or just leave it as "Sheet1".
• Also define a print range which covers your data area.
• Then, in Access, click on File/GetExternalData/Import, then click on "show named ranges"
• Hint: I learned the hard way ... BE SURE you close the spreadsheet and the subgroup table before attempting to do the File / GetExternalData command.

1. Click on File, Get External Data, Import.
2. Select your spreadsheet (xls) file. Note: You may need to change the extension type in the "Files of type:" prompt to '*.xls'.
3. You should then see a window that looks about like this:
   
   
4. Click Next.
5. You should see a prompt that says "First Row Contains Column Headings". Click Next.
6. When asked "In a New Table" or "In an Existing Table", choose Existing Table and select your characteristic from the drop list, such as "Diameter ---- QC". Then click Next. Then click Finish.
7. This completes the Import. You should now be able to open the Part File in SPC Express and see all your subgroup data.

1. Save the Spreadsheet as a CSV file (Click 'Save As', then choose 'CSV')
   
   •   'Save only the Active sheet' - Click OK
     
   •   'Keep the Format' - Click Yes
2. Rename the CSV file to "FileData.txt"

1. Open the spreadsheet in Excel
2. Highlight the range of rows and columns which contains the actual sample readings
3. Click Edit/Copy to copy the data to the clipboard
4. Open WORD, start a new document.
5. Click Edit/Paste to paste the data from the clipboard into WORD
6. a) If it comes in as a table, place your cursor anywhere inside the table, the Click Table/Convert/Table to text and choose "commas"
   b) If it does NOT get pasted in as a table, but simply as text separated with tabs, then click on Edit/Replace and replace all ^t with ,
7. Click File/SaveAs and save the document as a "Plain Text TXT" file and give it the name FileData.txt

Function:
This enhancement to AutoTrans will cause a set of pre-defined parameters to be downloaded into a LaserMike Model 182-10 processor. The parameters are kept in disk files, which will be maintained by the user, and every set of parameters will be kept in separate disk files. Whenever the AutoTrans user activates an AutoTrans SETUP, AutoTrans will look for a disk file called "setupname.LMK" and send it to the LaserMike. AutoTrans will first take the LaserMike out of RUN mode and put the LaserMike back into RUN mode when the download is complete. The LaserMike will start sending sample values on a periodic basis as specified in the parameter (.LMK) file. When the AutoTrans user unactivates a SETUP, it will tell the LaserMike to stop sending sample values, but it will leave the LaserMike in the RUN mode. Also, upon activating an AutoTrans SETUP, a "run number" will be placed in the Lot Control Number field of the first subgroup of that run and propagated into subsequent subgroups for that run. The "run number" will be determined by the computer and will consist of the Date and Time, for example: 0602931245 would be used for a run that began on June 2, 1993 at 12:45 pm.

How to Set-up AutoTrans:
Put "SONO-MIKE" in the Special Options field and put the letter "Z" in the SETUP option field for those SETUP's that will be acquiring samples from the LaserMike and require a parameter file download.

In the CONFIG.AT file:

Length of the gage records....... 8
Position of the sample........... 1
Length of the Sample............. 8
Position of the Gage ID.......... 0
Length of the Gage ID............ 0

Create a DOS disk file called "setupname.LMK" and put in the commands that you want sent to the LaserMike. The maximum length of this file will be 100 lines. For example:

PN1003OD.LMK
120+2
121+5
122+5
126+10
176 1.5
177 1.4
178 1.3
17C 1.45
17E 1.35
Note: See the Manual for the Model 182-10 LaserMike for a detailed description of the commands.

Installation Notes:
AutoTrans version 3.45 or greater is required. To update your system, type:
A:INSTALL A,C for each AutoTrans floppy disk (1 if 3.5" or 2 if 5 1/4")
Use a null modem cable from the PC to the LaserMike.

Programmer's Notes:
* RUN must be OFF before sending parameters.
* You cannot send data at 9600 baud without pausing between characters.
* It sure would be nice if there were separate commands for RUN-ON and RUN-OFF, instead of toggling.
* Examples of commands:
170+5 set SG size to 5
120+2 set DURATION
121+3 set delay
122+3 set delay
126+10 set XMIT period to 10 seconds
Note: It appears that the period (#126) must be an even multiple of the scan duration (#120) for a predictably steady transmission of sample values.

Troubleshooting:
Run MMSCOMM3.EXE to see if there is any communication between the PC and the LaserMike Unit. Be sure the baud rate and parity settings are the same between the 2 units. Try typing 601 (Enter) on the PC and wait for a response from the LaserMike. A 601 is a Date/Time request. If everything is connected properly the LaserMike should answer with the current date and time.

Additional information on the LaserMike is available from:
Lasermike Inc.
6060 Executive Drive
Dayton, OH 45424
Phone: (513) 233-9935      Fax: 233-7284

A. On the SERVER ...

   Double click "My Computer".
   Double click "Printers".
   RIGHT Click on the printer that you want to print on and choose Properties.
   Choose the Sharing Tab.
   Click Shared and give it a name, like NETPTR1, Click OK.

   You'll need to know the name of your server for later. To see the server's
   name, right click on Network Neighborhood, choose Properties, then go to
   the "Identification" tab. The Server name (Computer Name) should be there.
   Make a note of it.


B. On the Workstation ...

   From a DOS Prompt, type:

   NET USE LPT3: \\servername\NETPTR1
   You should get "The command completed successfully".

   To test it, type this:

   ECHO THIS IS A TEST > LPT3: 
   ECHO (Ctrl-L) > LPT3:       

C. If you have a USB printer, try this tip ... 

   On your PC, share the local printer over the network. 
   Then using your PC's name as the 'server', use the command
   NET USE LPT3: \\your PC name\printer name.

D. Now Start SPC Express for DOS.

   Hit ALT-R to Re-Configure, choose LPT3: and select the
   correct printer type (LaserJet, DeskJet, etc.)
   From now on, when SPC Express for DOS prints, it will
   go to the network printer, \\SERVERNAME\NETPTR1.
  

• SPC Express for Windows
• SPC Express for DOS
• AutoTrans for DOS

• Right-click (click the RIGHT mouse button) anywhere on a blank area of your Windows Desktop
• You should then see a menu pop-up. Choose New, then Shortcut.
• On the Command Line, type C:\SPCXW\ExpWin.exe and click Next.
• When asked for the Name of the Short-cut, type SPC Express and click Next or Finish.

• Right-click (click the RIGHT mouse button) anywhere on a blank area of your Windows Desktop
• You should then see a menu pop-up. Choose New, then Shortcut.
• On the Command Line, type C:\SPCX\Welcome.exe and click Next.
• When asked for the Name of the Short-cut, type SPC Express and click Next or Finish.
• If asked to choose an Icon, pick any one and click Finish. You can always choose a different icon later.
• You should now see the SPC Express icon on your desktop. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
• Click on the Program Tab and be sure to check the checkbox that says "Close on Exit".
• Click on the Screen Tab and be sure to check the button that says "Full-screen".
  
  
• To change the icon (only if you want to) right-click on the Short-cut and choose Properties then go to the Program Tab.
• Click the button called "Change Icon".
• In the space called File Name, type in C:\SPCX\express4.ico and click OK.

• Right-click (click the RIGHT mouse button) anywhere on a blank area of your Windows Desktop
• You should then see a menu pop-up. Choose New, then Shortcut.
• On the Command Line, type C:\SPC\AUTOTRAN\autotran.exe and click Next.
• When asked for the Name of the Short-cut, type AutoTrans and click Next or Finish.
• If asked to choose an Icon, pick any one and click Finish. You can always choose a different icon later.
• You should now see the AutoTrans icon on your desktop. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
• Click on the Program Tab and be sure to check the checkbox that says "Close on Exit".
• Click on the Screen Tab and be sure to check the button that says "Full-screen".
  
  
• To change the icon (only if you want to) right-click on the Short-cut and choose Properties then go to the Program Tab.
• Click the button called "Change Icon".
• In the space called File Name, type in C:\SPCX\express4.ico and click OK.

1. General Information on Gage Interfacing (includes a list of all available formula functions)
   
2. Importing Data from a Text File
   
3. Inter-Window Math (Used with both keyboard and gage data)
   
4. Connecting an Electronic Gage to a USB Port
   
5. Click Here for Gage Setup - GagePort/FlexPort
   
6. Click Here for Gage Setup - Sylvac
   
7. Click Here for Gage Setup - Fowler Continuous
   
8. Click Here for FlexPort Setup Guide
   
9. Requesting a Periodic Gage Read
   

• Start Microsoft Access 2000.
• Try to open the mdb file.
• If you get the message:
  "the database needs to be repaired", click YES, you want to attempt to repair.
• If the database was an Access 97 database, then you will be asked to convert it. Go ahead a convert it.
  Give it a new name such as originalname-c.mdb
• Then click: Tools / Database Utilities/ Convert Database / to Prior Access Database Version.
  Give it a new name such as originalname-cb.mdb
• When you are all done, you may Rename the final file back to the original name if you wish. (Of course, you'll need to rename or delete the original one first.)

• Menus can be selected using the Alt key and the letter of the menu. For Example: type Alt-F to drop down the File Menu, Alt-E for the Edit Menu, etc.
• Once a Menu is dropped down, you can use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the choice that you want, then hit the Enter key.
• Tab advances to the next field on input screens
• Ctrl-Tab will move to the next TAB sheet (such as on Global Preferences)
• Alt-SpaceBar brings up the System Menu (Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize)
• Ctrl-F4 closes the highlighted window
• If you need to "right-click", type Shift-F10.
• SPC Express also provides some short-cut keys. These are indicated on the menus. For example: Ctrl-T brings up "Select SGS and Chart Options" from the View Menu, Ctrl-O Opens a file, etc.
• All other standard Windows keystrokes should also work.

1. Copy the file, MSCOMM32.OCX onto your hard drive into a folder named C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for Windows 10 or maybe C:\Windows\System32 depending on your version of Windows. It really doesn't matter where you put it, because when you register it, you will specify its location.
2. Bring up a Command (DOS) prompt and change into the folder where you put the OCX file, like this:
   
   Please note: in order for that last command to be run, the regsvr32.exe program (a standard Windows comand) must be in your path. Don't be afraid to ask an IT person if you need help.
3. If you don't already have a copy of MSCOMM32.OCX dated 6/23/1998 or newer, you may download it from our website at:
   http://www.majormicro.com/Products/MSCOMM32.OCX
   If your copy of SPC Express was delivered to you on a CD, you can find that OCX file in the the D:\Files folder on the CD.