Technical Issues/FAQ

This page discusses technical issues related to FTG programs.
Please contact FTG Software with any questions.

This page can be reached from Help...FTG Web Site in any FTG program

Aborting a BASIC program

A BASIC program running from the IDE can be stopped by clicking the End icon or by clicking Macro End. What about BASIC programs run as macros from the BasRun command? Starting with DESIGN 2.30.1305 and MEASURE (Scantraq) 2.30.1101, adding MainEvents = True to the BASIC code adds an Abort BASIC menu command.

In the sample program given here, the user has 2 seconds to click Abort BASIC, thereby preventing display of the message box. In MEASURE (Scantraq) the current scan is also aborted.

Sub Main
    Dim i%
    MainEvents = True
    For i = 1 To 10
        Wait .2
    Next i
    MsgBox "Normal program termination", vbOkOnly, "BASIC"
End Sub

This feature should be used judiciously!  Back to top

Absorptance in layers

FilmStar DESIGN calculates absorptance vs. wavelength and absorptance vs. thickness (differential absorptance) for specified layers. While most designers never use these capabilities, they are important for solar cells and other active devices. Calculations can also be applied to the design of laser-resistant coatings.

Sample file absorp.zip contains FILM Archives absorp1.faw & absorp2.faw, Excel 97 model absorp.xls and DESIGN Workbook absorp.vts. Integrating differential absorptance over layer thickness gives total absorptance for each layer at the specified wavelength.(This corrects a previous definition where results were normalized by total absorptance.) Back to top 

Adding audio to BASIC

Using ActiveX server audio.exe based on Microsoft library mci32.ocx, it is very easy to add audio to FilmStar (Scantraq) BASIC programs. A typical application is informing QC technicians when a scan is completed. A sample BASIC program plus support files are provided in audio.zip. Back to top

AR for two substrates

Need to optimize a coating for two substrates?

This can be accomplished by changing the substrate index during each iteration. An example is given in bbar2sub.zip. Copy the .bas files to c:\winfilm\basic32; copy bbar.faw  file to c:\winfilm\designs; copy bbar2sub.xls to c:\winfilm\workbook.  Open FILM Archive bbar and click Evaluate... Workbook (<F3>) to activate the FilmStar Workbook. Close any open worksheets and open bbar2sub.xls. Just click Optimize... Optimize (<Ctrl+O>) to proceed. Back to top 

BASIC programs no longer work!!

BASIC was significantly upgraded in DESIGN and MEASURE/Scantraq 2.23. Our goal was to duplicate DDE Macro functions with built-in BASIC properties, functions and subroutines. This provides information about all functions in one help section and, more importantly, in object browsers.

A few BASIC functions were changed in order to consolidate keywords into logical groups:

  Original          Version 2.23.000 and Later
Annotate$        PlotAnnotation$       DESIGN/MEASURE
DataPath$        FilePath$(1)          MEASURE
Description$(k)  FileDescription$(k)   DESIGN/MEASURE
F_Name$(k)       FileName$(k)          DESIGN
F_Path$(k)       FilePath$(k)          DESIGN
PlotAxes%        PlotAxesConfig%       DESIGN/MEASURE

Please let us know if there are keywords not listed here. Updated BASIC programs are maintained in basic.zip and basic32.zip (very quick downloads). These may be newer than the ones in the full installation. Back to top 

C++ How-to

Thanks to Charles Anderson at St Gobain for supplying the following step-by-step tutorial on utilizing FilmStar as an automation server for applications developed in C++.

It is very easy to create an MFC automation C++ client that uses FilmStar DESIGN (MEASURE) as an automation server. To do this :

1. Using Visual C++ Studio create a new MFC application using MFC AppWizard (.exe). In step 3 check the Automation checkbox.
2. With the Class Wizard create a new class. That is, select the "Add Class" button and afterwards select "From a type Library". A file selection dialog box appears. Files appear withe the extensions "tlb olb and dll". However, change this to all files and go to the Winfilm folder. Select the Design1_32.exe file and select the Open button. A Confirm Classes dialog appears with _clsMain and _clsBasic as the new C++ classes and Design1_32.cpp and Design1_32.h as the files that will implement the classes. Select the OK button and the classes are created.
3. To use the classes somewhere in the application create instances of the new classes. That is add the lines :

_clsBasic filmStarInterface;
_clsMain filmStarProgram;

For the _clsBasic class (the _clsMain is the same) add the lines

if (filmStarInterface.CreateDispatch(_T("FtgDesign1.clsBasic")))
{
    // success
}
else
{
    // problem
}	

Note that automation ProgID is called "FtgDesign.clsBasic". The program is now ready to call the methods such as with the lines :

	CString m_design("4G 40M");

	filmStarInterface.SetAngle( 60.0);
	filmStarInterface.SetDesign(m_design);
	filmStarInterface.Calculate();
	filmStarInterface.DataCopy();

That is all there is to it.  Back to top

Cary Installation

FilmStar MEASURE/Scantraq for Cary installs Varian-supplied drivers cary32.dll (Ver 3.10.222,  5/13/03, also used by Varian's WinUV) and cary32.ocx (10/9/03). These were recently upgraded and may be problematic. There are several possibilities:

POSSIBLITY 1: New MEAS/Sq installation (assumes WinUV already installed)

a. Back up cary32.dll (Windows\System or Windows\System32). You will need it later if WinUV does not work with the new DLL. (No need to backup if you already have the latest version.)

b. Install MEAS/Sq for Cary and test. Remember to open a suitable Scan Parameters file such as Cary5.scw and to uncheck Test Mode in File Configuration Preferences. If there are problems while scanning, please use the log file capability to help us debug the software.

POSSIBILITY 2: You already use MEAS/Sq for Cary and have an older version of Cary WinUV software.

a. Back up cary32.ocx, cary32.dll (Windows\System or Windows\System32) and mcary5_32.exe (\Winfilm or \Scantraq).

b. Install MEAS/Sq for Cary and test. If it doesn't work, replace cary32.ocx, cary32.dll and mcary5_32.exe with the backup files; contact Varian and upgrade to the latest version of WinUV and proceed as in POSSIBILITY 1.

  Back to top

Correcting measured spectra in DESIGN

FilmStar MEASURE performs the following calculation in order to correct raw spectrophotometer measurements.

Standard * (Sample - Baseline)/(Reference - Baseline)

With a modern instrument where the baseline is reliably zero, this calculation is not normally required in transmission. It is, however, required in reflection measurements. Hitachi and Shimadzu users who cannot use MEASURE can perform similar calculations in DESIGN on imported spectra. While the calculation is readily performed in FilmStar BASIC, you can also use the FSPlot Formulator to evaluate a formula over an entire spectral range. The process goes like this:

a. Import measurements and convert to the same wavelength range by using Sub DataConvert.

b. Use the FSPlot Formulator to correct the spectrum. Assuming that Baseline data is in column B, Reference data in column C, Sample data in Column D and Standard in Column E, the corrected spectrum is given by the following formula. Once everything is set up correctly, pressing <F9> runs the formula without showing the formula editor.

F = E*(D-B)/(C-B);del B;del B;del B;del B

c. After inspecting the plot, click Edit...Copy Data to copy a corrected spectrum to the clipboard. (The "del" commands remove unwanted columns C-F.) Warning: a spectrum will be clipped if the data goes above or below graph limits. Try -10 to 110 to make certain that clipping is avoided.

 A BASIC macro encapsulating the above steps is easily developed. BASIC Sub PlotDataCopy copies FSPlot spectra to the clipboard. Back to top

Corrupted installation?

If you happen to download at the same time we are uploading software, you will not receive the complete file. Check file size with value given on the Updates page. If it is less, wait ~10 minutes and try downloading again.

One user reported a corrupt installation detected message when running setup32.exe. The workaround was to rename the existing Winfilm directory to WinfilmOld, then install to Winfilm and later copy data and design files. In this case it seems that corrupted program files on the user's hard disk prevented installation from proceeding normally.

Sometimes data files are not in expected directories and there is a "File not found" error. This occurs when installing FilmStar over a previous copy and specifying new directories. The problem is that FilmStar keeps old installation directories names which might no longer exist. Directories can be edited in File Configuration Preferences. If that is not possible directories can be edited in design1.ini (in c:\windows or c:\winnt). After closing FilmStar, locate the [Files] section in Notepad:

[Files]
Path1=c:\Winfilm\Data
Path2=c:\Winfilm\Designs
Path3=c:\Winfilm\Index
Path4=c:\Winfilm\Spectra

Referring to the labels in File...Configuration...Directories, Path1 referes to "Parameters"; Path2 is "Designs"; Path3 is "n,k Tables"; Path4 is "Spectra". Now restart FilmStar.

Alternatively, to get a new user install, back up and delete c:\windows\design1.ini (plus c:\windows\measure.ini for MEASURE and c:\windows\scantraq.ini for Scantraq) before reinstalling FilmStar. (In Windows NT the directory is c:\winnt.) If you have developed any special macros or index functions restore these from your backup with Notepad. Remember, like most Windows programs, FilmStar uses numerous system files and cannot be installed by copying files in c:\winfilm.

Additional effort is required for a new user install of Database Module sample files:

1. Delete ..\winfilm\dbase from your FilmStar program directory (or ..\scantraq\dbase for Scantraq).
2. Delete c:\winfilm\dbase (c:\scantraq\dbase) if not already deleted in step 1. This is necessary if FilmStar or Scantraq is in a non-default directory, say d:\winfilm or c:\program files\winfilm. Back to top

Debugging spectrophotometer communications

One way for us to debug serial communications is with a log file which you e-mail to us. The following versions of MEASURE/Scantraq support built-in message logging: Mpe983, Mh3410, Mcary5 (limited), Mhp8453 (very limited). To enable this facility, add an IOLog line similar to the one below to c:\winfilm\config\measure.ini (c:\scantraq\config\scantraq.ini). As illustrated, you add the line in the [Files] section.

[Files]
IOLog=c:\winfilm\measure.log 

When you restart MEASURE you will note at new Test menu which allows you to enable and disable IO logging.

Another option which works with any MEASURE/Scantraq version using serial communications is to add a serial port monitor program. This works with Mpe950 and also with PE's UvWinLab. We have used Serial Monitor for this purpose. Be sure to get at least the Standard Edition, as the Lite Edition does not record (create log files).

Another (when all else fails) possibility is for us to assign your COM1 to our virtual COM2 and actually run your machine from our computer. In order to do this, however, we need an IP address for your computer. This requires a dial-up connection or other direct modem connection. Network IP addresses are useless. Finally, should the situation be critical and you have no taste for log files and such, we can visit your facility and, to the best of our ability, set matters straight (usual consulting fees apply).  Back to top

Deleting rows in Excel

Suppose you have a column of data, say a spectral weighting function, corresponding to a 1 nm interval. You want to copy and paste this into a FilmStar Workbook model, but prefer to convert it to a 2 nm interval in order to speed up calculations. This task is readily accomplished with the following Excel VBA program:

' Excel VBA code to delete every other line beginning at StartRow
Const StartRow  = 4  ' starting row number
Sub Main()
    Dim s$, i&
    i = StartRow
    Do Until Cells(i, 1) = ""
        If Val(Cells(i, 1)) Mod 2 = 1 Then Cells(i, 1).EntireRow.Delete
        i = i + 1
    Loop
End Sub

If anyone can think of a way to do this without a macro, please let us know! Back to top

DESIGN locks up

a. Installation of FilmStar on a new computer revealed a severe problem apparently caused by a conflicting Microsoft security update (~ July 2006). FilmStar DESIGN would halt at the welcome ("Loading DESIGN...") screen which could only be removed in Task Manager. The problem may be computer-specific. We were able to reproduce the problem and fix it by modifying DESIGN. As a result of this modification, the rarely used 3D contour plot has been deleted. We expect users with older versions of FilmStar may experience this problem.

b. In the past, users reported that FilmStar DESIGN locks up in the License Agreement dialog. We cannot reproduce this problem. It appears that eliminating the license screen provides a workaround. This can be accomplished by editing a line (use Notepad)  in the [Configuration] section in c:\windows\design1.ini (c:\winnt\design1.ini) as follows:

[Configuration]
NoLicense=-1

Back to top

Designs don't work on new computer

This error typically occurs after installing FilmStar on a new computer and copying previous designs and data files. The problem is that settings in c:\winfilm\config\design1.ini were not transferred.

1. Check directories in File...Configuration...Directories.
2. Check values in File...Configuration...Capacity. It is possible that previous data files expect larger data arrays than currently allowed.
3. Check entries in User Index Functions, Macros, and the Workbook.

A convenient procedure is to save the original design1.ini (measure.ini, scantraq.ini) to floppy or USB stick on the original machine and copy it to the new machine. Then, if the FilmStar data directories on the new machine are different from the original, open design1.ini in Notepad and modify paths via global search and replace. Back to top

Dialogs moved off-screen

Encrypting designs

It is possible (DESIGN 2.23.4000 and newer) to save designs in encrypted format. This lets coating manufacturers supply uneditable and unviewable designs to their customers. Upon opening an encrypted design, Design and Optimize menus are hidden and corresponding FilmStar BASIC or DDE macro functions are defeated.

If you examine a FilmStar design file (*.dew) or FILM Archive file (*.faw) you will discover that designs are actually stored on disk as readable strings. For example (optimized BBAR):

.05691H .10129L .54167H .25636L

When encrypted the above design is converted to the following:

6168686E71677E5366646869686F7F58616D6C676C6A8053666A6B6C666E7F

Using a random key, the encrypted design is different each time it is saved. Once an encrypted design is opened the only way to exit encryption mode (reactivating Design and Optimize menus) is to open an unencrypted design.

Designs are encrypted by checking Encrypt saved film designs in the Security tab (formerly ID Module tab) in File Configuration Preferences. Prominent warning labels  Design Encrypted  and  Encrypt Saved Designs  in the DESIGN menu area constantly remind users about encrytpion status.

FTG Software does not guarantee the performance of this capability.
It is the responsibility of organizations utilizing encryption to test
and approve its functionality before distributing encrypted designs.

A few points

• An encrypted design cannot be unencrypted; do not save designs only in encrypted format!
• When distributing encrypted designs use FILM Archive mode (*.faw) and include all dispersive index (*.itw) files referenced in the Film Indices dialog. As discussed below, dispersive indices may also be encrypted. 
• Please contact us with any further suggestions along these lines.

Indices are encrypted differently from designs. Since indices are stored in binary format, a program could be written to deduce w, n, k. If such a program were to be written, retrieved index values 'n' will be incorrect.  Back to top

Excel 97 DDE doesn't work!!

Excel 97/2000 DDE requires brackets around commands. Otherwise the system hangs up. This was not required previously. VBA format should be as follows:

Sub Button1_Click()
    ch = DDEInitiate("MPE983", "Main")
    DDEExecute ch, "[Fred;]"
    DDETerminate ch
End Sub

Names used in DDEInitiate are the same for 16 and 32-bit versions (MPE19, MPE983, MPE2000, MHP8453, MH3410, MCARY5), even though program file names are different. Back to top

Extended Materials

Setting Film Indices (in File Configuration Capacity) to a number n > 52 places DESIGN into Extended Materials mode. Since designs in this mode are incompatible with normal designs, the facility should only be utilized if more than 52 materials are actually required in one design! In normal operation, letters A-Z (+ a-z when n > 26) indicate film materials. When n > 52, letters are replaced by numbers enclosed in square brackets with the numbers corresponding to those in the Film Indices editor. That is,

.06502H .08876L .53248H .25093L

is replaced (replacement is NOT automatic) by

.06502[2] .08876[1] .53248[2] .25093[1]

where the Film Indices editor looks like

Back to top

File dialogs without places bar

FilmStar Administrator

Getting started with MS Office

Need to integrate FilmStar 32-bit with Excel or Word but have no idea what to do? Try the following example. It will work without DESIGN being open.

In Excel 97 access the VBA editor (Alt+F11). Click Tools References. You should see FtgDesign1 listed as a Reference. Check this to add it to your project. You will find it listed in the Object Browser with two classes: clsBasic and clsMain. Now open a new module and try the following VBA program:

Sub Main()
    Set dBasic = New FtgDesign1.clsBasic
    Set dMain = New FtgDesign1.clsMain
    k = dBasic.Macro("Fred;")
    On Error Resume Next 'prevents error 440
    dMain.Quit
End Sub

Now that you have a working example, you will be inspired to Read the Manual. Back to top

Import TFCalc designs (updated Aug 2010)

FilmStar BASIC program TFCalc.bas (basic32.zip) imports TFCalc™ designs directly via the clipboard while TFCalc is open. Be sure to transfer GetWindowTitle.bas as well! (This is used to grab the design name from the TFCalc title window.) The TFCalc design resembles the following when pasted into a text editor. The first layer is next to the substrate.

TiO2	13.61
SiO2	38.16
TiO2	129.53
SiO2	96.57

TFCalc.bas also opens designs saved as text files (*.txt) in the Save Layer Data command in the TFCalc Layers dialog. While TFCalc is not required, comparing spectra is rather less convenient.

You need to assign FilmStar index symbols (L, H etc.) to TFCalc material names (SiO2, TiO2 etc.). This is accomplished by listing them in the Film Indices Dispersion column. TFCalc *.mat materials files must first be converted to FilmStar *.itw files (see section below). Note that film thickness must be in nm; set FilmStar DESIGN accordingly in Setup Parameters. All materials, even constants, must be defined by dispersion files.

Be sure to verify that the design is correct by calculating and comparing results in both programs. When comparing results be sure to check the setting for Side 2 Compensation in Setup Parameters. A file importer capable of automatically importing entire directories, is planned. Back to top

Import TFCalc materials

FilmStar BASIC program TFCalcMatl.bas (in full installation or basic32.zip)  imports TFCalc™ material files (*.mat). It expects the following format:

Please send us samples of TFCalc .mat files which do not work properly, so that we can modify the code accordingly. This BASIC program requires INDEX 2.30.0201 or newer. A file importer capable of automatically importing entire directories, is planned.  Back to top

Import PE spectra (.sp)

PerkinElmer spectral data files of different types (binary, ASCII, Data Manager, PECCS) have the same .sp extension. How can the data be utililzed in FilmStar (Scantraq)? An easy option  is to open the file in UvWinLab and re-store as J-CAMP (.dx extension) which can directly be opened in FilmStar. If this is not convenient, here are further options:

• Import binary PECCS files via BASIC subroutine Sub Pe19SpOpen
• Use programs pe-sp1.bas, pe-sp2.bas (basic32.zip) to import .sp ASCII files
• Convert .sp file to J-CAMP (.dx) with PE program pecnvrt.exe

The last choice can convert multiple files. Copy the program to c:\uvwinlab. New files are created in c:\uvwinlab\convert. Back to top

Index Functions updated in DESIGN 2.23.6001

Examples of Index Functions based on TiO2 data sets will be found in subdirectory c:\winfilm\index\functions. Start FilmStar INDEX and temporarily switch to this directory in File...Configuration...Directories (remember to switch back later). Open a file. Click Functions...Plot to visually see the fit and Functions...Fit Coefficients to review numeric values. If you open an Index Table in INDEX (or FILM Archive file in DESIGN) which references a function not currently in the list of built-ins, that function is automatically added.

2. In DESIGN, the same list of built-in functions will be found in the Film Indices editor under Edit...Built-in Functions.

3. Initial estimates for highly nonlinear functions CYGEN and CYGENK2 may be especially elusive. Depending on your data, there could be multiple solutions providing equally good fits. If you have difficulties with these or with other built-in or user-defined functions, send us your n,k tables (*.itw or Excel format) as e-mail attachments. Thanks to Steve Tuenge for suggesting function CYGEN (Generalized Cauchy) which he has found very useful over the years.

4. File and Edit menus have been added to the User Index Function dialog. These include facilities to load and save Function Collections (*.itf) (see c:\winfilm\index\examples.itf). Note that a Function Collection is actually the [UserIndex] section of c:\windows\design1.ini. An important use is transferring Index Functions to other users.

Be sure to backup (save as a Function Collection) any functions
that you are using before opening a new Function Collection.

The Edit menu lets you delete functions and alphabetize function names.

5. File aconst.itw can be used to test the following Index Functions included in examples.itf: ACONFM (uses formula), ACONVB (uses FilmStar BASIC program aconst.bas), ACONWS (uses FilmStar Workbook indxfnc.vts), ACONXL (uses Excel indxfnc.xls via DDE).  Back to top

IndexSolve.bas example

IndexSolve.bas (in c:\winfilm\basic32) creates index tables from multiple spectra via DESIGN's DLS refinement algorithm.The tables is then pasted into INDEX. As an example, we simulated measured spectra of 50 nm Ag on 1.52 substrate at 6 degrees and 45 degrees P and S polarization. Relevant FILM Archive and sample files are found in indexsolve.zip 

Copy FILM Archive files to c:\winfilm\designs and spectral data to c:\winfilm\spectra. IndexSolve1.faw creates spectral files and IndexSolve2.faw is utilized when running IndexSolve.bas. Once it is determined that IndexSolve.bas works as expected, it is most instructive to repeat the calculations with spectral noise added. This is accomplished via FilmStar BASIC program AddNoise.bas. Back to top

Index vs. wavelength

The following FilmStar BASIC code generates an index (n, k) vs wavelength table and copies it to the clipboard. Back to top

Sub Main
    Dim w!, xn!, xk!, s$
    Row% = 4   ' Row in Film Indices dialog
    For w = 400 To 700 Step 10
        GetIndex Row, w, xn, xk
        s$ = s & CStr(w) & vbTab & CStr(xn) & vbTab & CStr(xk) & vbCrLf
    Next w
    Clipboard s
End Sub

Lambda 20/40 timeout error

We suspect there are firmware discrepancies in these instruments. If your Lambda 40 (or similar) times out during background correction, try adding the following line under [Configuration] in

c:\winfilm\config\measure.ini or c:\scantraq\config\scantraq.ini

Exit and restart before testing. 

[Configuration]
Lam40AZSCStatus=2

If your Lambda 2 or 20 (or similar) times out during background correction, try the following line: 

Lam40AZSCStatus=1

Please contact us about this. Back to top

Lambda 800/900 common beam filters

Expert mode OFF automatically selects common beam filters as shown below (default mode for PE UVWinLab).

             PE Lambda 900
    Index  Filter   Wave     Type
      1      10    3350     T-LPQ-2.5
      2      9     2620.8   T-LPQ-1.5
      3      8     1670.4   T-LPQ-1.0
      4      7     1190.4   RG780
      5      6     810.4    RG665
      6      5     690.4    OG550
      7      4     562.4    BG38
      8      3     379.2    UG11
      9      2     319.2    T=100% (no filter)
      10     1     150      Glass

             PE Lambda 800
    Index  Filter   Wave     Type
      1      7     950      RG780
      2      6     810.4    RG665
      3      5     690.4    OG550
      4      4     562.4    BG38
      5      3     379.2    UG11
      6      2     319.2    T=100% (no filter)
      7      1     150      Glass 

Expert Mode OFF is equivalent to Expert Mode ON with the default filter program built into MEASURE (Scantraq). Note that Expert Mode ON is now required for selecting a single filter for the entire scan (not recommended).  Back to top

Log files (MEASURE/Scantraq)

A running log of input/output activity can help us debug problems in data acquisition. A log file is enabled by adding a line similar to the following under [Files] in

c:\winfilm\config\measure.ini or c:\scantraq\config\scantraq.ini

[Files]
IOLog=c:\winfilm\cary500.log  (or c:\scantraq\cary500.log)

This adds a new Test menu to MEASURE containing item I/O Log Open. When this item is checked instrument commands and responses are stored in the specified file. Since new data is appended, the file can be used repeatedly. Uncheck to close and disable the log file. E-mail the file to us for analysis and add the exact wording of any error messages.

When no longer required, the Test menu is removed by deleting the IOLog entry, or (preferably, since you might need it again) by commenting it out by prefixing the entry with a semicolon, that is ";IOLog= etc".  Back to top

Mixed materials

DESIGN handles mixed materials via User Index Function Mixed. Here a formula expresses the final index as a function of constituent dispersive indices. A linear mixing model would be expressed as 

n = A*N1+(1-A)*N2
k = A*K1+(1-A)*K2 

where N1, K1 are indices for material 1 and N2, K2 are indices for material 2. Here A is the mixing fraction (which can be treated as an optimization variable). Calculated results for TiO2+Ti are illustrated below. Please note that no claim is being made that a linear model is realistic; more complex relationships are easily programmed. 

Porous TiO2 films with packing density < 1 can be simulated by mixing film materials with material Void, where Void is an index table containing values 200 nm, n = 1.0; 1000 nm, n = 1.0; 5000 nm, n = 1.0. Users should verify that results are reasonable; the following program illustrates a method for viewing index values.

  Back to top

Mouse pointer disappears

If you find the mouse pointer disappearing in the main graphics window, try setting Control Panel.. Mouse Properties.. Pointers to a different scheme. We recommend Windows Inverted which, in our opinion, offers the best contrast no matter what the background. Back to top

New installation

Step by step instructions for installing FilmStar:

1. If you have a USB Security ID Module, do not attach it until FilmStar has been installed! This ensures that the proper drivers are available when Windows automatically locates the hardware. If this is not done, it will be necessary to run Control Panel applet Add New Hardware.
2. If you previously installed the Free Version, uninstall it via Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs applet.
3. Access the FilmStar Updates page and click setup32.exe to save or open the FilmStar installer. Run the installer, being sure to select FilmStar and not Scantraq. (If you choose Scantraq and proceed with the installation, you may need to delete the line Measure=Scantraq from c:\windows\win.ini.) Installation passwords are included in FilmStar News e-mails. Please note that passwords are periodically changed.
4. The installer prompts you to specify Activator (black case) or HASP (ivory case or USB) Security ID Module. If you choose the wrong one, just reinstall. 
5. Attach the Security ID Module to the parallel port or USB port and run FilmStar.
6. The installer does not install desktop shortcuts. You can easily do this through Windows Explorer.
7. Return to the FilmStar Updates page periodically and check for new versions.

Back to top

OCX in BASIC?

At first it appears that there is no way to use OCXs (ActiveX components) in FilmStar BASIC.

While you cannot add a component to the BASIC UserDialog Editor, you may be able to use the OCX as an object. This is illustrated in the following code snippet which records temperature from an Omega DPi32 thermometer. The ActiveX module iSeries10.ocx is provided by the manufacturer.

    Sub Main
    ' IMPORTANT: be sure to add reference to iSeries10.ocx
        Dim iDevice As Object
    ' Found the object name in the Registry Editor
        Set iDevice = CreateObject("iSeriesAlpha10.iDevice")
        With iDevice
            .ServerCommPort=1      ' set COM port
            Debug.Print .LastData  ' read thermometer
        End With
        Set iDevice = Nothing
    End Sub

That's all there is to it. You do, of course, lose any graphics provided by the OCX, but very often you really don't need that anyway. Back to top

Overflow error

An Overflow error can occur in DESIGN when relatively thick absorbing films are evaluated at short wavelengths. These conditions force the program beyond double precision limits. The error was reduced by modifications implemented in 2.24.0023. Should the problem still persist, DESIGN 2.24.0024 introduced a Set Zero Layers capability which effectively 'removes' layers during the calculation (without affecting the thin film design). This facility makes use of the fact that light does not penetrate the entire absorbing stack. Before using Set Zero Layers, users should verify that removal of layers below a certain wavelength has no effect on the reflectance spectrum. Back to top

PE Lambda 18/19 32-bit installation

This solution is supported on computers with built-in LPT port. A Lambda AX PCI board adds LPT2. A custom cable combines the ports into a 37 pin Lambda 19 connector. Contact FTG Software or Mono Instruments to purchase the board.

NOTE: If any of the following seems outside your comfort zone,
please contact FTG Software or your IT department for assistance.

When removing or inserting the PC-Lambda cable, turn
power off to both the computer and the spectrophotometer!

Do not attach a Security ID Module to either LPT port!
If you connect a printer, a USB connection is required.

Unlike devices such as USB memory sticks, installation of LPT2 is not completely automatic. First install FilmStar/Scantraq for Lambda 18/19 in order to copy driver files to your hard disk. Do not allow Windows to search the Internet for drivers! Run the Control Panel Add Hardware wizard and locate the following installation file in response to 'Have Disk'.

c:\Winfilm\TVicLPT\SETUP_NT.INF or c:\Scantraq\TVicLPT\SETUP_NT.INF

When the wizard passes are complete, locate the above INF file in Windows Explorer, right click on it and then click Install.

Sorry, you are not done. In Control Panel click System and click the Hardware Tab followed by Device Manager.

1) Right click on PCI Parallel Port, select Properties, and access the Port Settings tab; set LPT Port Number to LPT2 (it will probably indicate LPT3) and Filter Resource Method to 'Never use an interrupt'.

2) Right click on LPT1 and change Port Settings Filter Resource Method to 'Use any interrupt assigned to the port'; also check that Resources IRQ is set to 07 (normally is).

Check list for software/hardware configuration:

1) 1 Gigabyte Computer memory (otherwise problems with printing), minimum 1.5 GHz processor speed. Connection to network may cause problems.

2) The Lambda software increases its process priority at start time from 'Normal' to 'Real Time'. This normally requires Administrator rights on the computer.

For non-Administrators the scheduling priority must be increased by the Administrator via the following sequence: Control Panel... Administrative Tools... Local Security Policy... Local Policies... User Rights Assignment... Increase scheduling priority.

For more information, see

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;110853

3) The CPU must work with a fixed clock rate: Dell 745 BIOS Intel CPU: Performance / Speedstep = OFF

4) Graphics: Disable hardware acceleration via the following sequence: Control Panel... Display... Settings... Advanced... Troubleshoot. Set Hardware acceleration to None and uncheck Enable write combining (if present).

Back to top

Print Graphics doesn't work

Print Graphics will not work on some computers unless colors are set to 256. Suggestion: use the Report Generator with FSPlot graphics. This provides much better output with smooth curves and fully formed fonts. The following BASIC macro automates viewing and printing the FSPlot graph.

   ' PrintFSPlot.bas for DESIGN/MEASURE 16 or 32-bit
   ' This program prints the FSPlot screen and can be
   ' used as an alternative to File...Print Graphics
   Const CRLF = Chr$(13) & Chr$(10)
   Sub Main
      s$ = Template ' Save current template
      ' Modify following line to set different size
      Template = CRLF & "<<FSPlot 125,110,7500,6000>>"
      k = Macro("ReportShow;")
      Template = s$ ' Restore template
   End Sub

Assign this macro to a keystroke via Evaluate...Macro...Edit as shown below.

   Description                     Command
   Print FSPlot  basrun c:\winfilm\basic\printfsplot.bas;

Back to top

Printer problem (32-bit)

1. HASP ID module related...There are possible conflicts between printer drivers and HASP ID modules which result in garbage being printed. So far this has not been reported by users. The printer driver is installed with default options by the FilmStar installer, but it is also possible to reinstall the driver with specified options. Support and HASP drivers are freely available at

http://www.aks.com/support/hasp/enduser.asp

Quoting from the AKS website "Try reinstalling the driver using hinstall.exe, but this time, specify the portmode of the parallel port. Options include ECP, BiDi and Normal. For example, type hinstall -i -portmode=ecp In cases where the printer works in ECP mode, and none of the above steps solve the problem, try installing a simpler driver (like the driver for HP LaserJet II) and try printing through this driver." 

2. Format problems...Printing from FilmStar has been known to change printer Paper Size and/or Orientation. The error depends on the driver and in some cases there is no error. The problem does not seem to have been reported since we upgraded to VB6. Workarounds:

• Before printing for the first time in any FilmStar 32 program, check that the printer has the correct settings. You can do this most easily by clicking File Printer.
• Try a different printer driver. There are Microsoft alternatives to HP drivers which are bug-free. For example, our HP LaserJet 5 works fine with the MS Win 95 LaserJet 4 driver as well as the MS Win 98 LaserJet 5 driver. (Microsoft supplies drivers for newer models in Win 98 but not in Win 95!) You install drivers through My Computer... Printers.

We have now found many reports of this bug on the Internet. It is a defect in the VB5 Printer Object. Microsoft has acknowledged the bug, more or less claiming it is a feature, and blames printer manufacturers. Back to top

Problem with %R Baseline Scan

When measuring reflectance your Baseline scan attempts to compensate for the reflectance attachment. Typically the scan is performed with no optic (or a 'black sample') on the attachment. WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO DO is check 'Block sample beam during Baseline scan' (or similar label in older versions). This option can be found in PE 983, PE Lambda 800-1050 Scan Method dialogs and is generally intended for transmittance measurements.

Reporting problems to FTG Software

We can best solve problems by reproducing them with data files sent to us as e-mail attachments. The body of the e-mail should also include a clear statement of the problem, exact wording of error messages, etc.

DESIGN...Enable FILM Archive Mode (File Menu) so that designs and parameters are stored in one file (*.faw, c:\winfilm\designs). Attach the file to your e-mail. There are two choices if your design includes dispersive materials:

1. Attach ALL index tables referenced in Film Indices (*.itw, c:\winfilm\index). If the problem can be reproduced with constant indices there is no need to attach index tables. YOU SHOULD ATTACH ALL LISTED TABLES, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT USED IN THE DESIGN! TO MAKE THINGS EASIER, FIRST DELETE UNUSED MATERIALS FROM FILM INDICES.

2. If only using dispersion tables (not functions), you can enable Archive n,k Data (File Menu) so that dispersion data is embedded in the FILM Archive file. THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO DEAL WITH DISPERSION.

3. If using a Wavelength List (*.wls) or Wave/Angle List (*.wal) add that as well. As an alternative to a Wavelength List (often used with CIE data), consider using Wavelength Range instead.

4. If you have Subscript out of range errors it is likely that you need to increase values in File.. Configuration.. Capacity. These values are stored in ..\Winfilm\Design1.ini which you could attach to your e-mail.

MONITOR...Upon exiting MONITOR or clicking File...Save All four work.* files are stored in c:\winfilm\monitor. Attach these files zipped into one file. Add any index tables referenced in Film Indices.

Alternatively attach the four files referenced in File...Save As. The FILM or FILM Archive file is stored in c:\winfilm\designs and the other three files are in c:\winfilm\monitor. 

BASIC...Attach a code snippet isolating and showing your problem.

Spectra...Attach any spectral data files being utilized in DESIGN or INDEX. Or send an Excel .xls file (zipped please) with data pasted therein. Please do not send spectral data lists via fax. If you don't have FilmStar MEASURE, there are a number of options to create data files. See the winfilm\basic32 directory for support for Shimadzu and other spectrophotometers.

Please include program version number. This is found by clicking Help...About. If the program absolutely does not open at all, you can get the version number by right clicking the file name in Windows Explorer. Users occasionally report problems that are already fixed. Before contacting us, consult the FilmStar Revisions History page to determine whether a newer release fixes the problem.

In some cases it is useful to attach screen images. This is accomplished as follows:

1. Copy the active window to the clipboard with <Alt+PrtScr> (<PrtScr> by itself copies the entire screen.)
2. Paste into a graphics program which can store in GIF format.
3. An alternative is to paste images into MS Word 2000 and newer; this automatically compresses bitmaps and several images can be pasted into a single document.
4. Do not send graphics in .bmp format!  Back to top

Running FilmStar remotely

Suppose you have FilmStar in your office, but occasionally need to run it from the coating shop. Furthermore, assume that the computers are networked. Leaving the Security ID Module on your office computer, you can run FilmStar from the shop floor with LapLink, pcAnywhere or VNC (Virtual Network Computing) which is freely available.

How well this works depends on network speed; reducing color to 64K may speed up computer response. You can assign a password to your office computer to eliminate unauthorized access. Back to top

Size of Print Graphics printout

File...Print Graphics creates a graph in the Report Generator that is supposed to fill the page. A user asked "Is it possible to reset the value for my Report Template when I am printing graphics in DESIGN? The current setting in the template is <<Graph 83>> and I would like to have this reset to default to <<Graph 130>>. Any advise?"

Default relative graph size can now be changed in the Configuration dialog Misc tab. Another approach is to use a BASIC program to set the size to a particular value.

Sub Main
    t$ = Template   ' save current template
    Template = "<<Graph 130>>"
    k = Macro("ReportShow;")
    Template = t$   ' restore saved template
End Sub

This can be assigned to a macro key. Back to top

Schott filter glass database

SchottFilter.zip (2.4M) contains the installer for the Schott filter glass program Filter '98 that was originally available on SchottGlassTech.com. A newer Excel program Filter 2004 might be useful for analyzing and combining filters. Back to top

Sopra database of optical indices

Soprank.exe (537K) installs the freely available Sopra database (278 materials measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry) of optical indices. Using program INDEX (32-bit), Sopra index files (*.nk) can be imported and re-stored as FilmStar index files (*.itw) via File...Import.  Back to top

System errors 

A system error prevents FilmStar from running. Such errors are difficult to diagnose and may even require a complete reinstallation of Windows. One possibility is that comcat.dll (installed by FilmStar) has been updated and is no longer compatible with ole32.dll (installed by Windows). It appears that the following are compatible

ole32.dll Version 4.0  + comcat.dll Version 4.71
ole32.dll Version 4.71 (and later) + comcat.dll Version 5.0

Comcat.dll version 4.71 can be downloaded from our web site by clicking comcat.zip. The two versions of comcat.dll have different file sizes. For a more complete explanation, refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base 201364. Back to top

Too many plot module options!

The plot module includes numerous options. It is not easy to reproduce a previous format, especially when you realize that font sizes depend on window size. You need formats for different purposes: for example, web pages, Word printouts and PowerPoint presentations. For example the following might be ideal for web pages but terrrible for printouts: 

DESIGN 2.23.0000 and MEASURE 2.23.0000 add new BASIC plot setup functions as shown in the following code snippet for the above graph:

' FSPlot setup code for FilmStar BASIC:
PlotConfig 24793, 1127, 0
PlotSize 6420, 5835, 99
PlotSizeTitle = 110
PlotSizeLegend = 100
PlotAxesConfig = 6   ' loaded/saved with graph axes 

The code snippet was generated automatically by the plot module:

1. Format a graph as required.
2. Click File...Create BASIC Setup to generate graph setup code.
3. Paste code into BASIC program.

This can be repeated for different graph formats while leaving BASIC and the plot module window open simultaneously. A complete program illustrating this is PlotConfig.bas in basic32.zip (also in full installation).

The first two lines PlotConfig and PlotSize are necessary. PlotSizeTitle and PlotSizeLegend are somewhat optional; once set users may be satisfied to leave them alone. By historic accident, default values for DESIGN are 120, 100 and MEASURE (Scantraq) 110, 90. While it was always possible to change these as documented in on-line help under Configuration Preferences, values can now be changed via Setup... Font... Title... Size and Setup... Legends. 

PlotAxes specifies right-hand axis option (for Optical Density/Absorbance/dB scales), Adjust Axes options and minor tick option. If you prefer to associate these options with Graph Axes (Scan Parameters) remove the line from the BASIC setup code. All other settings are stored in ini files (design1.ini, measure.ini or scantraq.ini) under Windows or Winnt. Back to top

Transferring FilmStar to a new computer

The first step is to reinstall FilmStar on your new computer. Then you need to transfer data directories and custom settings. The following assumes that FilmStar programs are located in C:\Winfilm on both computers (if not, adjust paths accordingly):

1. Install from http://ftgsoftware.com/files/setup32.exe or, if your FilmStar support is not up-to-date, from the latest version that you have on CD or on your hard disk. Current installation passwords are found at the bottom of the FilmStar News e-mails we send periodically. If you have lost the passwords to older versions, please contact us.

2. Copy C:\Winfilm subdirectories from your old computer to the new; do not copy program directory C:\Winfilm itself.

3. Check the old computer for subdirectory C:\Winfilm\Config. If it's there, you don't need to do anything else; if it's not there, proceed to the next step.

4. Copy C:\Windows\Design1.ini (also C:\Windows\Measure.ini for MEASURE users) to C:\Winfilm\Config. This transfers any custom settings. Note that this directory is C:\Winnt on Windows NT computers.

Note: Please don't attach your USB Security ID Module until after you have installed FilmStar. This ensures that Windows plug-and-play will find it.

Back to top

UV WinLab Updates

MEASURE/Scantraq for Lambda 950/1050 (Mpe950.exe/Mpe1050.exe) with URA (universal reflectance accessory) and/or TDM (triple detector module) utilize PerkinElmer UV WinLab drivers. Users with UV WinLab versions prior to 6.0.3 need to update (reinstall) UV WinLab in order to run FilmStar MEASURE 2.50.1428 (14 Sep 09) and newer.

Click the following links for installers: UV WinLab, URA, TDM. Downloading requires user name and password. The user name is 'FilmStar' and the password your MEASURE installation password (or 'Scantraq' and your Scantraq installation password).

After installing UV WinLab, be sure to reinstall (update) FilmStar MEASURE/Scantraq. The reason is that the PE installer mistakenly overwrites a common OCX file with an older version.

Web graphics needed

What's the best way to create web graphics in the FSPlot module? We think that GIF format is the key; it is far superior to JPEG for screen images (but not good for photos). Using the File Menu, set FSPlot to Bitmap mode with Zoom = 100%. Copy to the clipboard and paste into a web creation program (MS FrontPage for example) which converts pasted graphics to GIF format directly. Or, if this doesn't work, a very economical program for converting graphics files is IrfanView www.irfanview.com.

Web creation software typically includes the ability to designate a single GIF color as transparent. This feature is also in IrfanView (search for transparent in on-line help). Typically, the white area surrounding a colored graph (we suggest light yellow or light cyan background) is made transparent. Or, if the graph backround is white, the entire graph can be transparent.

Compare the image below to the similar one above and note that the red line is not as jagged. This was accomplished by enlarging the FSPlot window, copying the larger image to the clipboard and reducing to 50% in IrfanView. By enlarging the graph the Medium Thick line became distinguishable. A minor drawback is that text is slightly fuzzy. Another option is to set FSPlot bitmap zoom>100%; this does not, however, seem to work as well as physically enlarging the graph. Back to top

What happened to Windows Apps?

Older versions of FilmStar provided a shortcut for activating other Windows programs. This has been eliminated in favor of BASIC's AppActivate function. As illustrated below, this can be combined with the Shell function.

Back to top