The RM Grinder accepts Rainman scripts, inserts graphic binary data into the scripts and outputs the new scripts. This allows you to submit pages including images to Rainman. Additionally, the Grinder will allow you to convert PICT, JPEG, and GIF images to the ART format.
To Use the RM Grinder
Documentation for the Grinder is maintained online at keyword: IP TOOLS. Just go into the RM Grinder folder in the Mac Tools area, and there will be a link to the full Grinder documentation. Please read this documentation before trying to grind your scripts; you may save yourself a lot of wasted time!
What's Cool About the RM Grinder 2.1?
It's Faster!
The Grinder is now fully native on both 68K and PowerPC Macs, resulting in a 66% speed improvement if you use a PowerMac. If you've got a PowerMac, you need this Grinder!
It's Sharper!
The new Grinder incorporates current JG libraries within itself, so you don't need any other applications to compress your ART. These new libraries are so much improved that we think you'll be able to upload images that used to require JPEG or GIF formats in JG ART form! This will result in quicker downloads for members and a more pleasurable member experience.
One Step Conversion to ART!
Because the Grinder's so sharp, we've expanded the \BINARY command to accept GIF and JPEG images for conversion to ART. Use the same parameters that you use when converting PICTs, and you're done! (Remember that simpler images may look better if compressed in Graphic mode.) If you don't provide a parameter in your script the Grinder will use the value you've set on the preferences screen. This means that you don't need to send any parameters if your current settings are correct.
Preferences!
The Grinder now remembers how you work. When you open the Grinder from the Finder, you'll see a number of preferences which you can set. These tell the Grinder how to function the way that you prefer, and are remembered when you quit. Unless a script tells it otherwise, the Grinder will obey your preferences.
You've Got Mail!
The Grinder can now send your successfully ground scripts to Rainman through the AOL 2.7 or 3.0 clients, if you tell it to. This can really speed up your work. Note that the 3.0 client mail feature works ONLY with versions later than preview 2 or b31. In other words, you need version 3.0b32 or later of the client for automated mail.
AppleScripts!
The coolest thing about this version of the RM Grinder, though, is that it is fully scriptable! You can write scripts to handle your own in-house process and use the Grinder to convert images to ART, grind scripts, or both! Here are a few simple examples:
-- This script tells the Grinder to compress a specific GIF, PICT, or JPEG file to ART
tell application "Grinder 2.0"
activate
try
convertToArt (a reference to yourFileName as alias) preview fine
quality 7 compressor photo outFile (a reference to file myOutputFileName )
on error errMsg
display dialog (errMsg as string) buttons {"OK"} default button "OK"
quit
end try
quit
end tell
-- This script tells the Grinder to grind (open) a script file
tell application "Grinder 2.0"
activate
try
open (a reference to yourFileName as alias)
on error errMsg
display dialog (errMsg as string) buttons {"OK"} default button "OK"
quit
end try
quit
end tell
Several more sophisticated scripts are included with the Grinder. You can edit them with Apple's ScriptEditor to make them fit the way that you work.
The Compression Dæmon scans a specified folder every three minutes and converts any image file that it finds there to an ART image in a designated output folder. Just launch the Dæmon, tell it where to look for files and where to store them, and let it run in the background. Input files are sorted into those which compressed successfully nd those which failed.
The Grinder Dæmon scans a specified folder every three minutes and grinds any script that it finds there, placing the output .RMP in that same folder.
The Mail Dæmon scans a specified folder every three minutes and mails any .RMP file that it finds to RainmanSys. You must have the AOL 2.7 client already logged on for this to work. Currently, the Mail Dæmon deletes the .RMP file three minutes after it is mailed. This behavior can be disabled by editing the script.
Note that if the Grinder and Mail Dæmon are both running with the same input folder, any scripts that are placed there will be ground and mailed to RainmanSys. Of course, since each script checks the folder every three minutes it can take up to six minutes for the script to be ground and mailed, and an additional three minutes for the .RMP file to be deleted.
Release Notes:
RM Grinder 2.1.1
GM Version
RM Grinder 2.1.1b1
Resets the out-of-date timer.
RM Grinder 2.1
GM candidate.
RM Grinder 2.1b1
Added support for mail through the Mac 3.0b32+ client.
RM Grinder 2.0
Release Version
RM Grinder 2.0b3
Limited compression settings to 1-7, since 8-10 would occasionally produce images which could not be viewed on older clients (Mac 2.7 & Windows 2.5).
RM Grinder 2.0b2
Removed Autodetect option for image compression, since it can produce invisible images on 2.7 and earlier client.
Fixed bug which deleted (!) ART files dropped on Grinder.
