This program is written in a dBase program style and compiled using Clipper. You require no other software to run this program. It will run on any IBM compatible computer with a hard disk and at least 512 K RAM.
To install the program you should first create a directory using the command "md\badge <enter>", then change to that directory using the command "cd\badge <enter>" and finally copy all the files on the disk to your hard drive using the command "copy a:*.* <enter>". To start the program type "badge <enter>".
The disk should contain the following files:
Manual.txt (this file)
Badge.exe
Prnset.dbf
child_no.dbf
Star.dbf
Badge.dbf
Badge_re.dbf
Blue.dbf
Black.dbf
Green.dbf
Red.dbf
Tawney.dbf
Child.ntx
Name.ntx
Mprn.mem
If any of these files are missing, the program will not run.
This program supports three types of printers: Epson compatible, IBM compatible and HP laser compatible. It also gives you the option of creating your own print driver.
2. Program Introduction
This program is designed to keep track of the Badges and Star requirements earned by the Cubs in your Pack. This program does not keep track of requirements earned for badges, just if the Badge has been obtained. (The Cubs should have to do something for themselves) It will cross reference the Badges to the Star requirements, but not the other way. The cross-reference is from page 9-8 of the "Pack Resource Book". Use of this program requires you to know what each Cub did to earn a Badge. You will be asked whether you want to update the referenced Star requirement. YOU SHOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY RESPOND YES! I have listed the cross-reference that I used at the end of the manual.
3. Opening Menu
The opening menu gives you eight choices and they are:
P. SET-UP PRINTER - allows you to choose the proper printer to print reports and charts
N. EDIT LIST OF NAMES - allows you to add to or edit the names of your Cubs
B. EDIT BADGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS - allows you to edit the Badges earned for each Cub
S. EDIT STAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS - allows you to edit the Star requirements earned for each Cub
M. ADD ACCOMPLISHMENT TO SEVERAL CUBS - allows you to add a Badge or Star requirement to several Cubs at one time
R. PRINT INDIVIDUAL REPORTS - allows you to print a one page report on each Cub
C. PRINT CUBCHART - prints the Cub and Star chart in four
8 1/2 x 11 pages
X. EXIT - returns you to DOS
4. Setup Printer
You are given four choices for printers to use and they are; 1. Epson Printer, 2. IBM printer, 3. HP Laser Printer or 4. Custom Design your Own. Most printers should fall in the first three choices. An example of this is my NEC Pinwriter uses an Epson print driver. If your not sure, just experiment. If you get hung-up, press <alt> C to exit the program.
Designing your own print driver requires some knowledge of printer programming. Enter your printer commands in the format: chr(27)+"x"+chr(1). (This is the command for letter quality in both the Epson and IBM printer files.)
5. Edit List of Names
You are presented with two columns for first and last name. Use the cursor keys to navigate the screen. Press the "delete" key to remove a record. Press <F8> to add a record. This is the slow part of the program as it is adding, or deleting, a record to six different files. Pressing <F10> will prompt you to enter a last name to go to. Don't enter all the name. Just enter the first letter or two and press return. It will find a record that matches as much of the name as you entered. This is case dependent. In other words, if you want to find a capital letter, enter one.
6. Edit Badge Accomplishments
The first question that you will be asked is if you want to use todays date for updating the Badge Accomplishments. If you answer No, you will be asked to either enter a date in the format mm/dd/yy or press enter to use the word "PASSED". I have not checked to see that you enter a valid date, so enter what ever you want.
You will then be prompted to enter the name of the Cub you want to update. If you don't enter something that can be found you will be taken to the top of the file. The Cub's name will be displayed and you will be given five choices. You can press "P" to go to the previous Cub, "N" to go to the next Cub, "A" to add badges to the current Cub's record, "D" to delete badges from the current Cub's record or "Q" to quit and return to the main menu.
You will then be shown the Cub's record and asked to select the Badge you want to update. If the Badge cross-references to any Star requirements, you will be asked if you want to update those. When you are finished updating that Cub's record you enter "0" to return to the previous menu.
7. Edit Star Accomplishments
The first question that you will be asked is if you want to use todays date for updating the Star Accomplishments. If you answer No, you will be asked to either enter a date in the format mm/dd/yy or press enter to use the word "PASSED". I have not checked to see that you enter a valid date, so enter what ever you want.
You will then be prompted to enter the name of the Cub you want to update. If you don't enter something that can be found you will be taken to the top of the file. The Cub's name will be displayed and you will be given five choices. You can press "P" to go to the previous Cub, "N" to go to the next Cub, "A" to add star requirements to the current Cub's record, "D" to delete star requirements from the current Cub's record or "Q" to quit and return to the main menu.
You will then be asked which Star you wish to update. Once this choice is made you will shown the Cub's record and asked to select the Star requirement you want to update. There is no cross-references to the Badges. When you are finished updating that Cub's record you enter "0" to return to the previous menu.
8. ADD ACCOMPLISHMENT TO SEVERAL CUBS
You are presented with three columns for check, first and last name. Use the cursor keys to navigate the screen. Place a "M" in the rows that correspond to the Cubs you want to update. Although the program will allow you to enter other letters in this column, it will ignore them when updating. I have not allowed you to edit any other fields. Press <Escape> when you have completed this portion of the program.
You will then be asked whether you want to update a Badge or Star. Once you have made your choice you will be prompted for the default entry (i.e. a date or PASSED). If you have selected a Badge, you will be given a list of Badges and asked to select the corresponding number. You can update as many Badges as you want at this stage. Enter a "0" to exit. If you have selected a Star you will be asked which Star and given a list of requirements for that Star. Again you enter a "0" to exit.
9. PRINT INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
You will then be prompted to enter the name of the Cub who's record you want to print. If you don't enter something that can be found you will be taken to the top of the file. The Cub's name will be displayed and you will be given four choices. You can press "P" to go to the previous Cub, "N" to go to the next Cub, "A" to accept current Cub's record to print or "Q" to quit and return to the main menu.
Once you have pressed "A" you will be asked if the printer is ready. Pressing any key at this point will print the record. Once printing is complete, you will be returned to the previous menu.
10. PRINT CUBCHART
The only question you will be asked is if the printer is ready. The Cubchart prints in four 8 1/2" x 11" pages. The first page prints the Badges, the second page the Black and Blue Stars, the third page the Red and Tawney and the last page is the Green Star. I do not use compressed print for any of this. I am not overly happy with this report and open to suggestions to improve this report without losing the printer support.
11. All suggestions, or comments, are welcome.
Please send them to: Hal Sommerstad
247 Hansen Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4X 2Z5
If you need a new copy of this program please send a blank formatted disk and a stamped pre-addressed envelope.
Appendix 1.
Badge Star Requirements
Artist Blue #1 & 3 Green #5 Tawney #4, 9, 10 & 12
Athlete Red #2, 3, 4 & 9
Carpenter Black #8 Green #4 Red #11 & 14 Tawney #1
(.txt)