The following is a tip for your readers who have ordered the long awaited upgrade to Scott Watson's Red Ryder Communication Program. My copy of RR10.0 arrived a few days ago and it is super. The Tip will, or should, stand on its own.
RED RYDER 10.0,Tip #1
(include ICON)
The "good news" was the arrival of the new Red Ryder Version 10.0 program from Scott Watson. The "bad new" was how to covert all of my old RR9.4 procedures. While excellent, the new 148 page manual does not mention conversions.
The following tips should help RR users convert RR9.4 procedures to work with Version 10.0. Version 10.0 was worth the wait, its super, very fast and much more capability than the previous Red Ryder.
After getting over the "this is going to be neat" phase of looking through the new windows, you will want to convert (compile in Version 10.0) some of your old 9.4 procedures. The following steps will work and they are not in the manual:
1. CONVERT OLD PROCEDURE TO A TEXT FILE - While in RR9.4, use the procedure under the Service menu to convert a procedure to a TEXT file and save it to your D/A Word Processor. RR10.0 will not read your RR9.4 procedures, unless saved as TEXT files.
2. EDIT TEXT FILE - Scott has changed the procedure commands (for the better) so you have to edit your text files to the new commands. The new commands are documented on pages 72 - 82 in the new manual. For example, String Variables are now A$, B$ etc and Numeric Variables are A%, B% etc. Label definition for JUMPTO are different so you have to add ":" before the labels.
Page -2- Richard M Kriss letter to MacUser Tip Sheets 7-Sep-87
3. CHECK FOR SYNTAX ERRORS - This is one new features of RR10.0 that is super. Under the Service menu, you will note "Check Procedure for Syntax...". Click on this and use the dialog box to find your edited text file. Red will run through your file (at warp speed) checking for Syntax errors. Red will stop on the Syntax error and give you an "Error:" box letting you know what is wrong. Go to the editor and fix it and keep running the checker until you get the new commands and typos fixed. Happiness is passing the Syntax check!
4. COMPILE TEXT TO PROCEDURE - Another feature of 10.0 is the new built-in compiler that will convert your TEXT file to a procedure file. Under the Service menu, you will note "Compile TEXT File to Procedure...". Click on this, find your edited TEXT file and run it. You will then have a 10.0 procedure file ready to go. One thing you will note is Red adds a .PROC to the end of the TEXT file name so you can tell the procedure file from the text file. This is very important when you start setting up your new Macros and identifying the file.
RED RYDER, Tip #2
The new RR10.0 feature that allows you to change FONTS is great, but really messes you up on file transfers and wordwrap. To get around this problem and still have a larger fort, use Monaco #10 vs the default Monaco #9.
Note to David Schargel - I have tried to keep the above generic to all RR users. I use the Mac and RR for a rather unique application compared to other Mac users. I am an Amateur (HAM) Radio operator, call sign KD5VU, and I use my set up for Packet Radio. This is one of the fastest growing modes of amateur radio as it mixes ham radio and computers. At the risk of oversimplification, people to people contact over the radio waves vs the telephone lines. We have Packet BBS's called PBBS's that are all over the world. The best part is its all free, all you need is a ham license. Do you think the MacUser readers would be interested in a article showing what the Mac does in Packet Radio?
I can be reached during the day at 512-448-5153 or at home at 327-9566. If you are into packet radio, my PBBS address is KD5VU @ KB5PM. Please add my packet address under my name if you print the tips. I have others to send if you feel there is reader interest.
Richard M Kriss
PS: I can send you screen prints from the Camera D/A if necessary
