# Demo

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This demo will cover the ways in which you can create a neural network for use with NeuroSolutions for Excel.  The primary and recommended method is to use the NeuralBuilder included with NeuroSolutions.  The NeuralBuilder can and should be launched from NeuroSolutions for Excel as it functions differently than if launched from NeuroSolutions (doesn't make you specify files, etc. when launched from NeuroSolutions for Excel). A second method is to create the network manually by stamping the components onto the breadboard, connecting the components, and configuring their parameters by hand.  Finally, networks built using the NeuralExpert (included with NeuroSolutions) can also be used with NeuroSolutions for Excel.  The first two methods will be covered in more detail in the following slides.


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The NeuralBuilder can be launched from within NeuroSolutions for Excel by clicking "Create/Open Network|New" under the "NeuroSolutions" menu.  The NeuralBuilder has a wizard-like interface which guides you step by step through the creation of a neural network.  In the first panel, you choose the network model.  There are several models to choose from ranging from a Multilayer Perceptron to a Support Vector Machine.  In the panels following the model selection,  you select the network parameters (such as the # of PEs, Step Sizes, etc.).  If you run the NeuralBuilder from a tagged data sheet, the NeuralBuilder will use intelligent parameter selection to choose the initial parameter values.


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In this step, we will create a network which can be used to solve the XOR problem. Notice that the active worksheet  (XOR Data) contains the pre-tagged data for the XOR problem.  As mentioned in the last slide, the NeuralBuilder will select its default parameters based on this tagged data.  Click the "Create Network" button below to launch the NeuralBuilder.  The "Neural Model" panel will be displayed with "Multilayer Perceptron" selected by default.  Click  the ">>" button within the NeuralBuilder to advance to the next panel.  Examine the settings as you step through each panel.  When you get to the last panel hit the "Build" button.  This will create a Multilayer Perceptron ready to solve the XOR problem.  If you want to train this network now, you can click "Train Network|Train" from the "NeuroSolutions" menu.


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The second method of creating a network for use within NeuroSolutions for Excel requires that you are an experienced user of NeuroSolutions.  This method is normally used when the desired network topology cannot be created using the NeuralBuilder.  To use this method of network creation, you must stamp the required components onto the breadboard, connect them appropriately, and configure their parameters.  You must also ensure that each component follows the component naming conventions.  NeuroSolutions for Excel uses these naming conventions to reference a particular component.  The conventions are documented within the on-line help for NeuroSolutions.  To view this topic now, click the "Component Naming Conventions" button.


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This demo has introduced you to three methods for creating a neural network for use with NeuroSolutions for Excel.  It should be noted that a network can also be created using a NeuroSolutions macro.  A NeuroSolutions macro can be written by simply recording the actions used to build a network.  This macro can then be played back at any time to re-create the network.  If the component naming conventions were properly followed when building the network,  this network will be compatible with NeuroSolutions for Excel.  See the NeuroSolutions demos and the on-line help for more information on NeuroSolutions macros.  Click "Next" to return to the main demo panel.


